Strictly's Craig Revel Horwood says 'I can see it happening' as 'chemistry' sparks


Strictly Come Dancing's Saturday night show was filled with tension as judge Craig Revel-Horwood hinted at a potential Strictly curse early into the programme.

Sam Quek and her dance partner Nikita Kuzmin delivered an impressive foxtrot to The Supremes' hit 'Where Did Our Love Go', but it was their chemistry that caught Craig's attention.

He critiqued: "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.

"However, 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."

Anton Du Beke praised their performance as "immaculate", while Shirley Ballas offered advice, saying: "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," reports the Mirror.

Tess Daly was enthusiastic, commenting: "Never performed before! That was brilliant."

Meanwhile, Claudia Winkleman brought up Sam's nerves and mentioned Craig's remark about their chemistry, asking Nikita: "Craig mentioned your chemistry. You're working so hard together. How impressed are you [Nikita]?"

Nikita replied with admiration: "So impressed," adding humorously, "My glasses are sweating, but I'm so so impressed. She looks gorgeous!"

Sam revealed that her husband, Tom Mairs, was unable to attend the live show but would be cheering her on from home. The couple, who have two children, find this an ideal time for Sam to participate in Strictly.

Discussing her decision on the Mirror's Invite Only podcast, she expressed: "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."

She further explained the shift in priorities that comes with motherhood: "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 begun with a bang following an enthralling launch show. In week one, the celebrities and their professional dance partners will make their debut performances, aiming to secure a good position on the leaderboard.

Although the judges will provide feedback and scores, no contestants will be eliminated in the opening week. The real pressure will mount in week two when the competition intensifies and the first celebrity will be sent packing.