Source: Daily Mail
Former EastEnder Scott Maslen’s stunning interpretation of the Viennese Waltz with partner Natalie Lowe earned him an almost perfect score of three 10s.
But the Strictly Come Dancing audience reserved their most resounding applause – and standing ovation – for the bizarre spectacle performed by ex Government minister Ann Widdecombe.
Handsome Maslen, 39, glided across the dancefloor creating ‘dance magic’ after beating flu during the Halloween themed show.
He and partner Natalie performed a near flawless routine which earned high praise from the judges and a score of 39 out of 40 placing them top of the leaderboard.
However, in a routine which recalled broadcaster John Sergeant’s infamous paso doble, Widdecombe, 63, was dragged across the floor in an undignified manner which while it was criticised by the judges, was loved by the audience.
Widdecome performed the paso doble to the aptly named song Wild Thing, and her brave dance partner Anton Du Beke was seen hoisting the MP up to swing her around. Judge Dixon said Du Beke handled her ‘like an appliance.’
‘I don’t think I”ll ever recover from that ending… it was heavy,’ said Bruno. While the acerbic Craig’s opinion was boiled down to just three letters: ‘O.M.G.’
Head judge Len summed it up perfectly: ‘It was like an accident on the motorway, you don’t really want to watch but you can’t help it.’
Widdecombe and Du Beke’s ungainly performance earned them just two points from Craig, and 16 points in total leaving them at the opposite end of the leader board to Maslen.
With no dance off or judges deciding the outcome, Ann’s chances of winning are far greater than they would have been in previous years according to Coral bookmakers spokesman Gary Burton.
Meanwhile, the other dancers tried hard to stand out amid the scene-stealing performances.
Former Coronation Street actress Tina O’ Brien courted attention in a black rubber catsuit as a gothic Olivia Newton-John.
And Charlotte Church’s ex-boyfriend Gavin Henson performed his dance with his top off although it didn’t really improve his standing in the competition.
Second on the leaderboard Kara Tointon overcame a difficult week with partner Artem
Michelle Williams and Brendan Cole danced an energetic Jive – to the Timewarp.
‘What were you on… demented and I loved it,’ said Bruno.
‘While Craig called it ‘lobotomised darling.. but in a good way… I loved it.’ But head judge Len’s comments prompted an argument with Brendan.
Len was ‘bitterly disappointed with it… you got caught up in story of the time warp and last three quarters was all timewarp.’
To which Brendan said: ‘You need to go Specsavers.’