The glitterball was shining brighter than ever during Strictly Come Dancing's spectacular Movie Week, which delivered more drama and show-stopping performances than a Hollywood blockbuster.
History Made on the Dance Floor
In a moment that will go down in Strictly history, Layton Williams and his professional partner Nikita Kuzmin became the first couple of the series to receive a perfect score from the judges. Their breathtaking Paso Doble to Lady Gaga's 'Bad Romance' earned them a standing ovation and straight 10s across the board.
"I'm absolutely speechless," an emotional Williams told host Claudia Winkleman. "To get the first 40 of the series during Movie Week is just incredible."
Judge's Comments Spark Backlash
Meanwhile, head judge Shirley Ballas found herself at the centre of controversy following her critique of Love Island star Zara McDermott. After McDermott and partner Graziano Di Prima performed a Charleston to 'Money, Money' from Cabaret, Ballas delivered unexpectedly harsh feedback that left the former government adviser in tears.
Viewers quickly took to social media to express their outrage, with many calling Ballas's comments "unnecessarily cruel" and "completely unfair." The incident dominated Twitter trends throughout the evening, with #BeKindToZara gaining significant traction.
Other Standout Performances
The movie-themed evening saw several other memorable routines:
- Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola delivered a magical Waltz to 'The Time of My Life' from Dirty Dancing
- Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell impressed with their energetic Grease routine
- Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu brought sophistication with their Bond-themed Tango
What's Next for the Competition?
As the competition heats up, the pressure is mounting for all remaining couples. With the first perfect score achieved and judge controversies brewing, this series of Strictly is proving to be one of the most unpredictable yet. Tune in next week to see who can maintain their momentum and who might find themselves in the dreaded dance-off.
