Yahoo News Strictly's Tilly Ramsay fights back from double dance-off to top leaderboard with perfect 40
Tilly Ramsay has fought her way back from two weeks in a row in the Strictly Come Dancing dance off to score a perfect 40 - putting her at the top of the leaderboard.
The chef and daughter of Gordon Ramsay performed a Matilda-themed couple's choice routine with partner Nikita Kuzmin for musicals week and was the only contestant to win a full house of 10s from the judges.
Read more: Tilly Ramsay says mum Tana 'had it harder than her' in Dancing On Ice
It was a special moment for Kuzmin, too, as this is his first year dancing on Strictly and the pair were clearly emotional as the scores rolled in.
These revolting children are top of the class! A perfect score for Tilly and Nikita! #Strictly pic.twitter.com/1kdw8RQmhp
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) November 20, 2021
Judges Motsi Mabuse and Cynthia Erivo got to their feet in a standing ovation as the high-energy routine ended, with all four judges having nothing but positive words for Ramsay.
Head judge Shirley Ballas told her: "I never say this, but I couldn't tell who the professional was, that's how good you were today."
The studio audience, which included the 20-year-old's mum Tana Ramsay, chanted her name as they cheered her on.
Last week, Ramsay found herself in the bottom two against Sara Davies and Aljaz Skorjanec who were voted out, and the week before she saw off competition from Adam Peaty and Katya Jones in the bottom two.
This Saturday's leaderboard currently has Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden in joint bottom place with Dan Walker and Nadiya Bychkova, although the dance off couples depend on who viewers vote for.
Read more: Adam Peaty's mum calls his Strictly exit 'a total fix'
Erivo was a new addition to tonight's panel as a guest judge after Craig Revel Horwood tested positive for COVID during the week.
The Nicest Kids in Town become Revolting Children! Tilly and Nikita served so much Matilda mischief and magic tonight #Strictly pic.twitter.com/yMrsVJRrmm
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) November 20, 2021
The stage and screen star has featured in Broadway hits and will play Elphaba in the forthcoming film adaptation of Wicked.
She impressed viewers earlier in the show by using sign language for part of her critique to Rose Ayling-Ellis, who also incorporated BSL into her Frozen-themed Quickstep.
Watch: Who is Strictly's Tilly Ramsay?
