John Nellis and Katya Jones topped the Strictly Come Dancing leaderboard after the first live show of the series. The social media star and his professional partner scored 31 points for their foxtrot to Alex Warren’s Ordinary.
Judges’ verdicts
The Northern Irish football content creator impressed the judging panel of Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke. Du Beke called the routine “extraordinary”, while Revel Horwood described the dance as “classy, elegant and graceful”.
Mabuse said she felt a little emotional watching the performance and that it was “the best dance of the night”. Ballas echoed those thoughts and praised Nellis for being “elegant” and “sophisticated” in his routine.
Delta Goodrem close behind
Australian singer Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington followed closely behind with 29 points for their Samba to Baiana by Barbatuques. Du Beke said: “We’ve had a few sambas tonight and that was the best of the night.” Revel Horwood added: “Wow darling. You are one to watch. End of.”
The live show opened with a routine by the Strictly professionals to an orchestral version of Joy by Raye. The presenters joined the dance at the end of the routine before introducing the couples to the ballroom floor.
Other scores and debut
EastEnders actress Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola scored 27 points for their cha cha to How Will I Know by Whitney Houston, while actress Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu’s quickstep to Stop This Flame by Celeste scored 26.
Former Love Island winner Dani Dyer-Bowen made her Strictly debut with Nikita Kuzmin after pulling out last year because of injury. The couple scored 22 points for their samba to Lush Life. Watching on in the crowd was her father, Rivals actor Danny Dyer.
The episode ended in a three-way tie for last place with a score of 15 points. The first show did not include a public vote or elimination. Strictly Come Dancing will return on BBC One on Saturday for movie week.
