BBC Strictly Come Dancing judge sparks curse rumours just minutes into first live show
Strictly Come Dancing saw tensions rise early on Saturday as judge Craig Revel Horwood hinted at a possible Strictly curse just moments into the show.
Sam Quek and her professional partner Nikita Kuzmin performed a stunning foxtrot to The Supremes' hit Where Did Our Love Go Despite a strong performance, Craig Revel-Horwood couldn't help but point out room for improvement.
His critique started with: "You lost a bit of balance, as you're fully aware, darling. It's 'true'. You're not completely using your feet as well as you could. I know it's week one though, my darling that's what made it at times a little lumpy. But I have to say, you came out here... there was chemistry between you. I can see that happening! And there's much to look forward to, I think, in this couple."
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Fellow judge Anton Du Beke praised the dance as "immaculate", while Shirley Ballas gave constructive advice: "You keep up your posture, you keep up your footwork; I can tell you, you're going to be a force to be reckoned with."
Host Tess Daly gushed: "Never performed before! That was brilliant." But Claudia Winkleman addressed Sam being the "most nervous" contestant, adding: "Craig mentioned your chemistry. You're working so hard together. How impressed are you [Nikita]?"
"So impressed," the pro responded. "My glasses are sweating, but I'm so so impressed. She looks gorgeous!"
The curse speculation was clearly light-hearted, though. Sam revealed that her husband Tom Mairs would be absent from the live show but would be watching from home. The couple has two children together, and Sam confessed that now is the ideal time for her to participate in Strictly.
Speaking on the Mirror's Invite Only podcast, she said: "This is the perfect time for me to do Strictly because of the kids. I love every single minute of having kids but it is tough and you do lose a little bit of yourself. Your priorities change because they are your world, and you have to prioritise work and looking after them ahead of getting glammed up and going out with the girls."
The 2024 season of Strictly has commenced with a thrilling launch show. The first week sees the celebrities and their professional partners team up for their debut performance, vying for a spot on the leaderboard, reports the Mirror.
Although the judges will provide feedback and score the contestants, no one will be eliminated in the first week. The real tension will begin in week two, when one celebrity will face permanent elimination.