Strictly Come Dancing viewers are urging the BBC One show to give professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec a strong partner in future series after he stepped in for an unwell Kai Widdrington at short notice.
During Saturday night's live show (November 14), singer Delta Goodrem revealed her dance partner had been taken to hospital after falling ill. The 42-year-old performed the Argentine tango with Skorjanec instead, dancing to Missing by Everything But The Girl.
Stand-in performance earns praise
Judge Motsi Mabuse praised the pairing, saying: "Dancing with a partner always needs a connection and time to get used to somebody and to get a partner at the last partner at the last minute, a beautiful partner and one of the best I must say, to actually have that energy between the two of you and atmosphere and balance and musicality at the last minute – I rate you so highly for that."
Skorjanec said of stepping in: "I surprised myself a little bit. I'm not the quickest learner and it's not my forte – the Argentine tango. But it's dancing with the stars, not the pros." He told Goodrem: "That dance is so intimate and delicate – you did that, not me."
The couple received a score of 35 from the judges. Goodrem said: "So, it was an extremely crazy week. Obviously, we're so sad that Kai got so unwell yesterday, and he had to go to the hospital. So, we're both sending him so much love watching tonight. I'm so proud of my dance partner and, no doubt, he'll be strong and come back."
Fans call for better partners
Skorjanec was eliminated from the competition last month alongside his celebrity partner, Gavin & Stacey actress Melanie West. His return prompted a wave of social media demands.
One fan wrote: "I know we can't be seen picking favourites but I think tonight highlights why Aljaž should be given a great partner every year. #Strictly." Another commented: "Aljaz is just the best pro. So glad he came back #strictly."
A third added: "Also can Strictly give Aljaz a decent partner next year, this year and last year he's had duds. Tonight has made me realise how much I miss his personality... And his face! #Strictly."
Another viewer responded: "He's one of the most gracious and well-rounded pros ever! I agree they need to stop giving him dud or comedic partners." One more fan said: "From everything on strictly tonight i just want to say hats off to aljaz, learning a routine in mere hours AND getting delta her highest score yet? he's the best male pro for a reason, i hope he gets a super competitive partner next year #Strictly."
