Strictly Come Dancing fans have rallied behind Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe after their latest stint on the dance floor. The duo returned for week seven of the BBC One dance competition on Saturday night (November 2).
However, there was a twist in the tale as Strictly introduced a new themed week – ‘Icons’ for the first time ever. This new theme saw the remaining 10 celebrities and their professional dance partners hit the dance floor to perform a routine set to a track from a renowned singer or band, reports the Manchester Evening News.
During the most recent live show, Olympian Montell and her professional dance partner Johannes Radebe earned a score of 35 out of a possible 40 for their waltz to Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You. Despite the high score, judge Craig Revel Horwood remarked: “I wanted it softer and lighter, frame was in and out.”
This comment caused a stir among the judges, with Shirley Ballas giving him a stern reprimand.
As he delivered his critique, she exclaimed: “Craig! Oh my goodness I don’t agree with you at all! What are you doing? ! ” before jumping up from her seat. Motsi attempted to intervene before Shirley asked her to step aside so she could get closer to Craig and told him: “He had that beautiful frame, he dropped his arms, she looked at him willingly ready to go with soft movement, with beautiful footwork. Improving.”
She then challenged: “What more do you want? ” to which Craig retorted: “A choice darling, a choice! ” Shirley defended: “She did so many choices. They were beautiful both in and out of hold.”
However, Craig wasn’t done, poking fun as he quipped ‘says Cousin IT’, in reference to Shirley’s hairstyle, before Motsi advised the audience with a bit of wisdom: “I think there’s a lesson to learn. When mummy and daddy have a fight, get out of the room.”
Nonetheless, despite the spat among the judges, Montell and Johannes were lavished with praise from Strictly enthusiasts on social media for their faultless performances thus far. @AAngels05 tweeted: “The way that Montell Douglas and JoJo always deliver week on week needs to studied! Their Waltz was breathtaking to watch and she’s such a phenomenal dancer I see her going so far in the competition. #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing.”
Fans like @ashmcgregor expressed adoration: “Every time I see Montell and Johannes dance I’m left wondering whether there’s EVER been a more perfect pairing on #Strictly. GAWJUS #Strictly2024 #StrictlyComeDancing #scd.”
In the spirit of disbelief, @RobKeeleyAuthor commented: “EH? ! Montell’s beautiful, elegant dance was easily the best of the night. Where were the 10s? #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly #SCD.”
@RyanTheSoapking tweeted his delight, saying: “Montell and Johannes make me smile every single week. I paired them up from the moment Montell was announced to be on the show and she’s come such a long way in technique and in confidence as well. I’m so proud of Montell! LOVE HER! #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing.”
Meanwhile, @MillieSansoye also chimed in with praise, commenting: “Montell’s dance was beautiful! I want her in the final. She always delivers a brilliant dance. #Strictly.”
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