Strictly Come Dancing’s Jamie Borthwick has shed light on his close friendship with co-star Shayne Ward, while also addressing Tom Dean’s departure from the show.
The 30-year-old joined the spin-off show It Takes Two to chat about his journey on the popular BBC programme and his progress in the competition so far. Alongside his dance partner Michelle Tsiakkas, they delved into their sensual rumba routine from last week.
However, host Janette Manrara didn’t miss the opportunity to discuss another budding relationship behind the scenes. She quizzed: “But Jamie the partnership with Michelle is not the only partnership you’ve got going on this series, is it?”
Sharing a video of Jamie singing Shayne’s winning X Factor single alongside him, the EastEnders star watched the clip and smiled in awe. Laughing at the video while joking that he will release an album with Shayne, Jamie said: “We are such a really close group and it’s so sad with Tom going last week, we’ve lost him and every week someone is going to go.”
Janette chimed in: “It doesn’t get any easier! It gets harder and harder,” reports the Express. “It’s horrible,” Jamie concurred. In another part of their discussion, Janette brought up Jamie and Michelle’s rumba that sparked controversy among the judges. Craig Revel Howood had been particularly critical of the routine at the time.
He expressed his disappointment, stating: “I felt it lacked an emotional connection between both of you! It felt like you were dancing by numbers.”
He also mentioned that the pair seemed to be overthinking every step, which prevented the dance from truly taking off.Craig continued: “I felt like we lost the story. I felt like we lost everything that rumba is about.”
However, in response to Craig’s criticism, the actor disagreed, finding solace in the fact that head judge Shirley Ballas had enjoyed the performance. Meanwhile, viewers of It Takes Two shared their opinions on the routine.
One fan commented: “The dance flowed really well and Rumba walks and use of arms was good as well. There was also good chemistry. He needs to work on details but no Rumba is perfect for Week 2. I enjoyed this dance and love this partnership.”
Another viewer added: “It’s great how much Jamie loves the Rumba. I always loved it too but so many of the celebs don’t seem to. It’s a beautiful dance when it’s done well. “A third viewer noted: “Jamie and Michelle’s Rumba was the 25th Week 2 Rumba on #Strictly.
“They matched the score of Lesley Garrett and Anton du Beke from the very first series and just seven couple’s have scored higher in W2. Only one male celebrity too. The great Ricky Whittle in Series 7.”
Strictly’s It Takes Two airs weekdays at 6:30pm on BBC Two.