Debbie McGee Makes ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ History With Tango Routine
It was a big night for Debbie McGee on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ this weekend, after she became the first of this year’s famous contestants to be given a perfect score by the judges.
Debbie – best known for serving as the assistant to her late husband, the magician Paul Daniels – was awarded 40 points for her Tango routine on Saturday night (5 November).
She and partner Giovanni Pernice performed their dance to a remixed version of the Black Eyed Peas’ ‘I Gotta Feeling’, making ‘Strictly’ history by getting the first 40 this early on in the competition.
Even Craig Revel Horwood, a notoriously tough nut to crack, came out from behind the judges’ table to jokingly bow down at Debbie’s feet after her performance, before giving her 10 points, as did fellow judges Shirley Ballas, Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli.
While Bruno told the pair their routine had been like watching a “Tango masterclass”, Darcey agreed: “That was extraordinary. You are on a par with your professional. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Tango like that from a celebrity. Amazing.”
She admitted: “Until now, there was still this knot in my stomach and… the fact I’ve lost him [was there].
“But these last three weeks on ‘Strictly’, everyone is so lovely, at every level, I love all the other contestants, everybody I’m working with… they all make you feel so good and so wanted. They make you feel like they really want you on the programme.”
Find out which contestants weren’t so lucky and wound up in the bottom two in Sunday’s (5 November) ‘Strictly’ results show, kicking off at 7.15pm on BBC One.
Jay McGuiness’s Jive
This was the moment the former Wanted singer cemented himself as the favourite to win the 2015 series, and it was only week three (!)
Jake Wood’s Salsa
EastEnders’ used car salesman Max Branning turned into an overnight sex symbol with this Samba to ‘Mambo No. 5’ in 2014.
The Charleston was a fairly new dance to ‘Strictly’ when S.E.B took it on in 2013. And despite it only being week two of the competition, she and partner Brendan Cole bagged a whopping 36 points for the routine.
Danny Mac’s Samba
Danny and Oti’s 2016 routine still makes us come over a bit funny. Let’s put it this way – if it was any hotter, it would have been on literal fire.
Abbey Clancy’s Waltz
2013 champ Abbey wowed the judges with this beautiful waltz in week one of the competition, and brought it back for the final, where they scored a perfect 40 and lifted the glitterball trophy.
Jill Halfpenny’s Jive
If you can remember as far back as series two in 2004 (!), you’ll no doubt remember this knockout performance from Jill and partner Darren Bennett.
Lisa Riley’s Samba
We don’t think anyone has ever had as much fun as Lisa and Robin Windsor did performing their Samba on the show in 2012.
Caroline Flack’s Charleston
Cazza’s Turkish interpretation of the Charleston cemented her as the favourite to win in 2014. She also performed the dance again in the final, which eventually saw her crowned winner.
Kara Tointon’s Argentine Tango
Given the sexual tension in this performance, it’s no wonder Kara and Artem Chigvintsev announced they were an item shortly afterwards.
Louis Smith’s Showdance
Not only did Louis Smith capture a lot of attention with his toplessness, but his dancing was pretty good in this too.
Matt Di Angelo’s Salsa
Matt went from Dean Wicks to snake hips with his performance of the Salsa in series five in 2007.
