Strictly Come Dancing’s Saturday night extravaganza was laced with drama as judge Craig Revel-Horwood hinted at a potential Strictly curse brewing just moments into the show.
Sam Quek and her dance partner Nikita Kuzmin wowed with a stunning foxtrot to The Supremes’ classic Where Did Our Love Go, but it was their sizzling chemistry that caught Craig’s eye.
He kicked off his critique by pointing out: “You lost a bit of balance, as you’re fully aware, darling. It’s ‘true’. You’re not completely using your feet as well as you could. I know it’s week one though, my darling that’s what made it at times a little lumpy.
“But I have to say, you came out here… there was chemistry between you. I can see that happening! And there’s much to look forward to, I think, in this couple.”
Fellow judge Anton Du Beke heaped praise on the pair, calling their performance “immaculate”, while Shirley Ballas offered some advice: “You keep up your posture, you keep up your footwork; I can tell you, you’re going to be a force to be reckoned with.”
Tess Daly couldn’t hide her excitement: “Never performed before! That was brilliant.” However, Claudia Winkleman brought up Sam’s pre-show jitters, saying: “Craig mentioned your chemistry. You’re working so hard together. How impressed are you [Nikita]?”
Nikita, clearly moved, replied: “So impressed,” adding humorously, “My glasses are sweating, but I’m so so impressed. She looks gorgeous!”
Strictly Come Dancing’s Sam joked about the infamous curse, but it was all in good fun as she confirmed her hubby Tom Mairs couldn’t be there for the live show, but would be cheering her on from home, reports the Mirror. The couple, who have two kids together, are juggling family life with her dance floor dreams.
Sam spilled the beans on the Mirror’s Invite Only podcast, saying: “This is the perfect time for me to do Strictly because of the kids. I love every single minute of having kids but it is tough and you do lose a little bit of yourself.
“Your priorities change because they are your world, and you have to prioritise work and looking after them ahead of getting glammed up and going out with the girls.”
The 2024 season of Strictly has kicked off with a bang following an electrifying launch show. In week one, the celebs and their pro partners will strut their stuff for the first time, aiming to impress on the leaderboard with their debut dances.
Although the judges will be dishing out their critiques and scores, the first week spares the contestants from elimination. But come week two, the pressure mounts as one star will face the music and dance their way out of the competition.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
