Strictly: Jamie Borthwick told he could win the glitterball
Strictly Come Dancing's judges delivered a bold prediction during Saturday night's Movie Week extravaganza.
In the latest episode, EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick and his professional dance partner Michelle Tsiakkas dazzled with a quickstep to Sir Elton John's I'm Still Standing from the biopic Rocketman.
Jamie, 30, famed for his role as Jay Brown in the BBC One soap, stunned audiences as he channelled Elton, donning an elaborate costume complete with glittering sunglasses.
Following their performance, the judges lavished compliments on Jamie, with Anton Du Beke exclaiming: "You know, you really are a super super dancer. I think you could be one of the favourites to lift the trophy to be quite honest with you, I think you are an exceptional talent."
Motsi Mabuse concurred with Anton, adding: "Yes, Anton, I think the Glitterball is quite close to you!" The judges' remarks hinted at Jamie being a strong contender for the title, prompting host Tess Daly to comment: "Thank you judges. Two out of four mentioned the Glitterball... that's big news!", reports the Mirror.
Reacting to the judges' glowing comments, Jamie modestly stated: "It's a bit too early to be mentioning the Glitterball... none the less, I appreciate everything they say!" In terms of scores, Jamie bagged a total of 30 points, with Craig Revel Horwood awarding eight, Motsi eight, Shirley Ballas seven, and Anton seven.
Taking to Twitter, now X, viewers were quick to heap praise on Jamie's performance. One fan exclaimed: "Jamie really threw himself into that! Well done! #Strictly", while another enthused: "#Strictly Jamie was ACE in that."
A third admirer commented: "LOVED THAT JAMIE BORTHWICK #Strictly" and yet another viewer said: "Well I loved that! Well done Jamie! #Strictly."
The episode was a cinematic spectacle as the professional dancers and their celebrity partners delivered movie-inspired performances, complete with elaborate costumes. The show kicked off with the pros turning into Minions from Despicable Me, featuring Kai Widdrington as Gru while his fellow dancers sported yellow bodysuits to become the iconic Minions.
However, sadly, DIY SOS star Nick Knowles and his dance partner Luba Mushtuk were due to perform the Charleston to Rain On The Roof from Paddington 2 before Nick pulled out on Friday due to an injury. As per the Strictly rules, the pair will "receive a bye" through to next week’s show in the hope he has recovered.
It comes as last weekend Olympian Tom Dean and his dance partner Nadiya Bychkova became the first pair to leave the competition.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One.
