Strictly Come Dancing delivered a surprise dance-off after Musicals Week tonight.
In tonight’s episode on the BBC, Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe dueled with Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec in the dreaded dance-off. The pairs re-enacted their performances, with Montell and Johannes delivering a Rumba to ‘I’m Here’ from The Color Purple and Tasha and Aljaz showcasing an Argentine Tango to ‘Ex-Wives’ from Six.
The decision was in the judges’ hands, and Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke unanimously voted to save Tasha and Aljaz, ensuring their continuation in the competition.
Although her vote was not needed, head judge Shirley Ballas revealed she would have also chosen to save Tasha and Aljaz. This meant the journey ended for Montell and Johannes, who made a heartfelt statement upon their departure.
Montell told Johannes: “He has been amazing. Strictly has touched me in ways I never knew possible. I’m an Olympian and a Gladiator, but I have honestly struggled with confidence my whole life and being on the show, with the beautiful crew, the judges, the cast has just been such an honour.
“I have to say thank you to you [Johannes] because I really have found a friend and a brother in this man. I mean it from the bottom of my heart, I hope he’s in my life forever, because we have something very special.”
Johannes couldn’t hide his admiration for Montell, adding: “I am so proud of you Montell, because you are a non-dancer. But the one thing that you have done every single week is turn out beautiful dancing. So I want to say to you, thank you for respecting our art form of Ballroom and Latin. The way you handled it was like a ‘true’ pro. You’re my winner.”
The results show dazzled viewers tonight with a sensational number performed by The Schuyler Sisters from the hit musical Hamilton, while the Strictly professionals showcased an exquisite routine set to the tune of As If We Never Said Goodbye from Sunset Boulevard.
*Strictly Come Dancing‘s semi-final will air next Saturday at 6.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.