Strictly Come Dancing fans are convinced Lauren Oakley is the show's best professional dancer after she and Graeme Hall topped the Movie Week leaderboard with a waltz scored 31 points.
Lauren was left almost overcome with emotion following the performance alongside her celebrity partner, the dog training expert. The professional dancer was announced earlier this year as one of the BBC One dance show's returning pros, and it was revealed during the pre-recorded launch show in September that she would be competing with Graeme.
Movie Week success
Last weekend, during the first live show of Strictly's 2026 series, the competition got underway with new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe at the helm. All 15 new celebrities and their pro partners performed a full routine in front of the judges for the first time.
For their first routine, Graeme and Lauren danced the cha cha to Hound Dog (Smokey Joe's Cafe version) and received a score of 24 out of a possible 40 from judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke. Fans were full of praise, and the judges were also impressed.
On Saturday night (October 3), they returned to the ballroom for Strictly's Movie Week special. 'The Dogfather' Graeme and Lauren were given a score of 31 for their waltz to The Godfather Waltz from The Godfather. The high score left them first on the evening's leaderboard, and second overall after scores from weeks one and two were combined ahead of the first elimination on Sunday (October 4).
Judge praise and fan reaction
Judge Motsi Mabuse called the routine "mesmerising", while Anton Du Beke said: "I think you could become one of the best ballroom dancers we've ever had on Strictly." Host Johannes Radebe even held back tears while praising their efforts.
Viewers at home were quick to hail Lauren, claiming she has a "magic touch" when it comes to teaching her celebrity partners. @akaMrsO said: "Lauren is the best girl pro. She is such an amazing dancer and clearly teacher #strictly #strictly2026." @BlondeKatty commented: "I've got to say, Lauren is a bloody fantastic pro! #Strictly."
@lucymaygoodwin wrote: "Lauren Oakley is a MAGICIAN #strictly." @LiveLoveCeltic posted: "What an exquisite dance, what a wonderful teacher Lauren is... my favourite professional by far. #Strictly." @nancysjowita shared: "Lauren Oakley take a bow, you absolute legend #strictly."
@smallstepforsam typed: "Every week I am even more convinced that Lauren Oakley is the best pro on the show #SCD #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing." @hailmails added: "Lauren oakley will forever be that girl, she has the magic touch #strictly."
