Miranda star transformed into Dame Maggie Smith’s character Minerva McGonagall for Movie Week. The actress, 53, performed an emotional Viennese Waltz with partner Vito Coppola to Hedwig’s Theme from the films.
Introducing the routine, presenter said: “Last week, we lost a true icon of cinema, Dame Maggie Smith. Tonight, with a magical tribute, it’s Sarah and Vito.”
Sarah said in her VT: “I feel so honoured that we are going to be dancing to this because I’m going to be playing the character of Professor McGonagall. I’ve always absolutely idolised Maggie Smith because she was arguably one of the best actors ever.”
Vito then said: “We will dedicate this dance to her.”
The routine began with Sarah at McGonagall’s desk before placing her hat and glasses on the table and waltzing across the dancefloor with Vito.
:
Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola dedicated their Harry Potter dance to Maggie Smith. (Image: BBC)
The judges were wowed by the routine, with even Craig Revel Horwood full of praise.
He said: “Rise and fall crept in but fantastic, simple, effective, I loved it.”
Anton Du Beke added: “A few footwork problems but beautiful,” while Shirley Ballas said the actress has “marvellous potential”.
Motsi Mabuse even said Sarah’s dance was “the highlight of the night so far” and described it as “nostalgic and brilliant”.
They going impressive scores of 8, 9, 8, 8, and a total of 33 points.”
Many viewers were touched by the poignant routing and rushed to social media to share their thoughts.
One said: “Had tears in my eyes thought of Dame Maggie Smith when I saw Sarah and Vito perform, it was gorgeous.”
Another wrote: “Vito and Sarah dedicating their dance to Maggie Smith, oh I’m crying.”
A third tweeted: “This was absolutely stunning! Huge congratulations to Vito and Sarah, what a lovely thought to dedicate this to Dame Maggie Smith. The effort, passion and precision makes it a 10 from me!”
And a fourth commented: “Phenomenal from Sarah and Vito a beautiful Viennese Waltz and a beautiful tribute to Maggie Smith another 10 from me! #Strictly.”
continues Sunday at 7.15pm on One.