Debbie rumbas to top in dance for Paul
DEBBIE McGee last night landed at the top of the Strictly Come Dancing scoreboard for the first time this series with a dance that she dedicated to late husband, Paul Daniels.
McGee, alongside partner Giovanni Pernice last night, landed 27 points with a powerful rumba to Tracy Chapman’s Baby Can I Hold You.
The panel of judges was temporarily reduced to three last night with Bruno Tonioli absent due to a busy schedule.
His omission was covered up by fellow panel member Craig Revel Horwood, however, who offered his best impersonation of the flamboyant judge following McGee’s routine.
Second in the leaderboard with 26 points was Holby City’s Joe McFadden and professional partner Katya Jones who performed a paso doble to Diablo Rojo by Rodrigo y Gabriela.
Head judge Shirley Ballas labelled it the “best paso from a male celebrity” this series.
Meanwhile comedian Susan Calman wooed viewers with a cha cha to Little Mix’s Shout Out To My Ex in which she pretended to break up with Revel Horwood by ripping up photographs of the judge.
However, the duo picked up just 16 points leaving them in joint last place alongside three other pairs including presenter Ruth Langsford and Anton Du Beke who performed a samba to John Paul Young’s Love Is In The Air.
Commenting on their low score, Du Beke – who wore extravagant pink flamenco sleeves – quipped it was the “first time in 15 series I’m sort of disappointed Bruno’s not there”.
Also on 16 points prior to the public vote are comedian Brian Conley and Caerphilly’s Amy Dowden who performed a jive to Tom Jones’ It’s Not Unusual, and TV chef Simon Rimmer and Karen Clifton who offered a comedic slapstick-inspired Charleston to Doris Day’s Fit As A Fiddle.
Strictly’s results show airs 7.15pm tonight on BBC One.