Strictly's Johannes Radebe speaks about being in dance-off
Strictly Come Dancing has returned to the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom for the show's 20th anniversary. Former professional legend Brendan Cole issued his verdict ahead of tonight's show as he claimed one show star could be in "danger" this week.
Gladiators star Montell Douglas wowed the judges on Saturday night as she made a strong comeback with her Paso Doble to Lola’s Theme by The Shapeshifters, which also landed her and partner Johannes Radebe joint third, with Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal.
The dancing duo scored an impressive 36 points out of 40.
However, Brendan claimed she may be in "danger" during Blackpool, as he addressed her routine from week eight.
Speaking exclusively to Express Online on behalf of Sky Vegas, the former show pro admitted the Olympian is a great performer but suggested there was a "lack of technique".
He explained: “In my opinion, for the second week running, Montell [Douglas] was slightly overmarked for her number. There was a lack of technique in there. It was a very good number visually, really strong. She's doing great stuff, and he [Johannes Radebe] is being a fantastic partner.
“As a visual, it was great, but I don't see her keeping up at the moment. The last couple of weeks, for me, she has had two average weeks - not reflected in Saturday night's score. She had great scores and great comments on Saturday, but I didn't see it as that. "
Brendan continued: “I was surprised it was seen as being as good as it was. It’s certainly not bad, it's great. What she's doing visually was very powerful, but if people don't have the correct technical aspect of a dance, then it lacks.
That's what the judges are there to pick up on and they're not picking up on that as much as I would expect. We can all see something looks good, but they’re the ones that are supposed to be pulling it apart.”
Viewers will be in for a treat tonight as Montell and Johannes kick things off with a Salsa to Thelma Houston’s Don’t Leave Me This Way, with the pair being followed by Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola Couple’s Choice to Padam Padam by Kylie Minogue.
Pete and Jowita perform the Cha Cha to Right Said Fred’s I’m Too Sexy, with Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsaikkas also taking on a Latin number as they dance the Jive to The Ketchup Song (Aserejé) by Las Ketchup.
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec take on the fiery Paso Doble to Torn by Nathan Lanier, whilst Wynne Evans and Katya Jones will dance the Charleston to Carmen Suite No.1: 5.Les toréadors by George Bizet.
JB Gill and Lauren Oakley will dance the Quickstep to Rick Astley’s Never Gonna Give You Up whilst Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell perform the American Smooth to Jump by Paul Anka.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer tonight at 6.45pm
