Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left with their hearts in their mouths during what appeared to be a costume mishap in the opening sequences of the latest show. Many confessed they were left baffled or worried for the contestants' wellbeing as the BBC's popular dance programme intensifies ahead of the concluding weeks of the current series.
One celebrity was absent from this week's lineup after actress Jaime Winstone was compelled to pull out with a torn abdominal muscle. Under competition regulations, Jaime and her professional partner Carlos Gu received a bye through to next week, when she is anticipated to return to performing.
Return to the Dance Floor
The remaining competitors returned to the dance floor following last week's Halloween special, which also witnessed the first three-way dance-off. Dani Dyer and Graeme Hall were among those hoping to impress judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood, and Motsi Mabuse.
Big Brother presenter Will Best was the first to commence proceedings with his professional partner Dianne Buswell. The duo performed a Quickstep to a rendition of This Love, originally by American group Maroon 5. They wowed both spectators and judges with a score of 29 and were evidently thrilled with their display.
Pearls Fall During Performance
During a critical moment of their number, audiences noticed that beads or pearls seemed to tumble from Dianne's gown. Host and comedian Josh Widdicombe highlighted the occurrence, much to Dianne's astonishment.
The presenter remarked: "You're a showman now. You didn't even mention the pearls fell from your dress, you were essentially dancing on ball bearings during that second half! You could have fallen over at any moment! Get off that dangerous floor and get your scores."
Following their score, Johannes commented: "You left your pearls on the floor girl." Will promptly quipped: "Should I go get them?"
Viewers React Online
Audiences watching from home were equally swift to observe and register the incident. One turned to social media and wrote: "The timing with the pearls flying off made me think someone's tooth had come out for a second."
Another remarked: "My heart was in my mouth when the pearls fell. I had visions of a nasty accident." Someone else questioned: "Did Dianne's dress just explode everywhere?" Strictly Come Dancing continues on Sunday with the results show at 7.10pm on BBC One and streaming on iPlayer.
