Strictly Come Dancing audiences were profoundly moved as the show made history with an incredibly emotional group dance performance. For the first time ever, a wheelchair user joined the Strictly professionals onstage, breaking new ground in what was hailed as an inspirational routine to Robyn’s With Every Heartbeat.
Amongst the five new dancers who took to the floor with the seasoned pros Javier Rojas, Kibrea Carmichael, Will Weat, Jaih Betote, and Hannah Raynor it was Hannah, identifiable by her handle @hannah_raynor_, who captured hearts across the nation.
Hannah’s stunning appearance in her wheelchair not only garnered vast acclaim from viewers but also sparked an outpouring of support on social media platforms. The audience reaction was overwhelmingly positive, with many hailing the move as a significant step for inclusivity on mainstream television.
One viewer articulated the sentiment beautifully: “Seeing that dance as a wheelchair user means the whole world – INCLUSIVITY MATTERS.”
Five new professional dancers joined Strictly (Image: BBC)
Another was openly moved by the representation, sharing: “Quite emotional at the thought of a young child watching someone with impaired mobility dancing live on #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly. The message it must send them,” reports .
The accolades continued with comments such as: “Nice touch with the wheelchair. #inclusion #visibility #disability #strictly,” and another fan keenly remarked: “Watching this fab dance performance on #Strictly. If they can have other people with a disability on the show dancing, then maybe there is hope for me in the future?”
Emotional responses didn’t end there, with one Strictly fan stating: “That pro dance was so good i’m crying #Strictly” while yet another viewer confessed: “Jeez, bawling over this group dance.”
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Hannah Raynor takes centre stage on Strictly (Image: BBC)
Breaking away from the norm, another fan admitted: “Don’t like contemporary dance but girl in the wheelchair was great. Wondered how much she’d be able to do but it was more than I thought and beautiful,” further proving that this historic performance transcended personal taste to touch numerous lives.
“The wheelchair choreography is so inspiring and it fits into the routine seamlessly. Gorgeous,” one fan gushed with delight, while another enthused: “What a beautiful dance from the pro and moving music! And that dancer on the wheelchair! Super well done.”
“Seeing a wheelchair user dancing on #Strictly has made me SO happy heheh,” commented yet another fan, clearly thrilled by the inclusive performance.
Strictly was hailed by fans for making history (Image: BBC)
Meanwhile, there were further tears to be had as star exited the compeition after he and his pro-partner Michelle Tsiakkas found themselves in the dance off against and Johannes Radebe.
Sadly for Jamie, despite his flawless performance to Ben E. King’s Stand By Me and high score from the judges, it wasn’t enough to save him and he was sent home which left some fans angry that TOWIE star had made it through to next week.
Speaking out Pete took to to address backlash, writing: ” Firstly THANK YOU, I never expected to be anywhere near a quarter-final of this show and the fact that I am is purely down to you at home! I’m not sure why you’re voting but I’m so thankful that you are. I have put everything I can in to this for the past 3 months, I’ve thrown myself at it and I feel very blessed to be continuing this rollercoaster with Jowita.
“I’m not a dancer, I’m not a performer, I’m just a bloke trying to get a little bit better each week. I wish I could thank every single one of you individually. Secondly, trust me I know I’m not as good as the rest and I’m sorry for that but I’m trying my best, we all are. I’m just trying to improve and learn as I go.”
airs every weekend on One.