Strictly Come Dancing viewers expressed concern for Dani Dyer's position in the competition after believing judges undermarked her latest routine. The former Love Island winner and her professional partner Nikita Kuzmin received a score of 25 for their rumba to Hero by Mariah Carey during the BBC One show's Icons Week special on Saturday night, October 17.
Judge Praise and Fan Reaction
Despite the score, head judge Shirley Ballas praised Dani's performance, noting her timing and difficult choreography. "Your timing was very good. You had quite difficult choreography," she said. "You kept (your feet) moving all the time, which was amazing. You handled that beautifully." Dani's father, Rivals star Danny Dyer, applauded from the audience.
Fans took to social media to voice their concerns. @_jord.leigh_ wrote: "So incredibly undermarked! Dani you were gorgeous!! please please vote for team double trouble tonight." @equii.gracexo commented: "Undermarked again, this dance was beautiful, I feel so bad for Dani she’s trying so hard, receiving my votes once again." @paula_brooks_ said: "No way should Dani be number 8 [on the leaderboard]."
Dani's Difficult Week and Nikita's Support
Speaking to Johannes Radebe after the performance, Dani admitted to a challenging week. "It's been a bit of a difficult week. I think this has been my hardest one. I had a little bit of a wobble on Wednesday, just because I doubt myself all of the time. I was like, 'I can't do it, I feel really silly.'" She described Nikita as her "biggest cheerleader" and added: "I'm just so grateful."
Nikita showed his support in a comment on a video of their routine shared to Strictly's socials, saying: "Soooo proud of you @danidyerxx [heart emojis]. Scores are not the highest tonight guys, so we might need your support this time more than ever."
Icons Week Opening
The latest episode opened with judges dressed as pop culture figures. Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke channelled Britpop band Oasis in khaki parkas and bowl cuts, while Motsi Mabuse dressed as Beyonce and Shirley Ballas wore an extravagant ensemble and blonde wig as Lady Gaga. Celebrities were introduced as their "icon" alter egos, with EastEnders actress Lacey Turner appearing as Adele and TV presenter Will Best looking like Sir Elton John.
