Anton du Beke was moved to tears as Tasha Ghouri achieved the series’ first top score of 40.
Tasha and her dance partner Aljaz Skorjanec floated across the floor with an American Smooth to Lewis Capaldi’s hit Someone You Loved. The emotive performance won over the panel, securing the duo their perfect score for the series to date.
An emotional exchange ensued with Shirley commenting to Anton: “This is the first time I’ve seen you cry, and you were very emotional.”
Overwhelmed by the moment, Anton confessed: “It was beautiful. It just makes me go – this is why we dance. This is the point. People say why do you dance, and that’s why.”
Anton continued to explain his passion for dance, expressing it’s not about seeking accolades but the personal journey. He said: “We don’t dance for people to say we’re wonderful. We dance mostly for how it makes us feel. You’re extraordinary to watch. And Alijaz, I see you enjoying and I have the feeling myself when I dance … You want it go like that. Sometimes, it goes like that. This is what it’s all about. I watch you dance. I tried to find something I don’t like and I like it all.”
Don’t miss…
Anton du Beke got emotional tonight (Image: BBC)
After their exceptional display on the dancefloor, Tasha and Alijaz were overwhelmed with emotion in the Claudiatorium, revelling in their faultless score before dashing off to prepare for the Samba-thon, reports .
Adding to the excitement, this week featured a Samba-thon as well, where stars shimmied together in a quest for additional approval from the judges.
Comedian Chris expressed his deep appreciation for the overwhelming support from fans and colleagues. Elaborating on the significance of it, he shared: “I’ve had lots of lovely messages from people saying you’re doing really well and it’s nice that fellow comedians think that I’m coming across as myself, that means a lot.”
Alijaz and Tasha danced an American Smooth (Image: BBC)
Gladiators icon Montell discussed the personal impact of the show, highlighting an inner transformation: “It’s brought out a side that’s been hidden for a long time. I’ve never been able to express it because I’ve never danced before. It’s more about discovering that side rather than creating a new one. It’s like I’m nurturing a side that was locked up in a box.”
* airs weekends on One and iPlayer.