The Irish Mail on Sunday

Molly on her trapeze lights up Strictly with greatest of ease…

- By Chris Hastings

SATURDAYS star Mollie King has been in the dreaded Strictly dance-off more times then she cares to remember.

But the chart-topper was flying high last night when she took to the world-famous ballroom in Blackpool Tower on a trapeze.

Ms King made a spectacula­r entrance for her show-stopping Charleston that was perfect for her chosen number. She and partner AJ Pritchard danced to Wings by Little Mix.

Strictly’s producers pulled out all the stops last night to celebrate the show’s return to Blackpool.

Debbie McGee, who is partnered with the so-called Italian stallion Giovanni Pernice, donned her own version of Geri Halliwell’s infamous Union Jack skirt for a Spice Girls-themed samba.

Ms McGee, at 59 the oldest surviving contestant, has emerged as favourite to win. Viewers have become hooked on her relationsh­ip with Pernice, who is just 27.

Speaking before last night’s show, contestant Joe McFadden played down speculatio­n about the pair. He said: ‘I am certainly not aware of any sexual chemistry. I think they’re good friends, get on well. I’m not aware of any sparks flying between them.’

The actor revealed he had received tips from Ed Balls, who danced with his partner Katya Jones last year. He said: ‘I think the point he was trying to make was to be fearless. His advice was, just enjoy it – you’re dancing for yourself and your partner.’

 ??  ?? LIFT-OFF: Mollie enters on trapeze and, inset left, Debbie’s spicy samba
LIFT-OFF: Mollie enters on trapeze and, inset left, Debbie’s spicy samba
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