Viewers were delighted to spot a Strictly icon in the audience (Picture: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock)
BBC viewers have been left ‘squealing’ after spotting a Strictly Come Dancing legend returning to the show.
After Jacqueline Wilson was caught by surprised fans in the audience last week, viewers were keen to know who could be in attendance on Saturday night.
And they weren’t left disappointed, as Oti Mabuse was caught on camera in the ballroom.
Oti left Strictly in February 2022, after a win in 2019 with comedian Bill Bailey.
But her return to the show left fans delighted, with @soniayonce writing: ‘WAS THAT OTI IN THE AUDIENCE?? <33’
‘Just SQUEALED seeing Oti in the audience,’ @scddevereaux said.
‘So did I!’ @lisa_tibbs replied, as @BethanyFoden said: ‘I miss Oti.’
Oti Mabuse was caught on camera in the audience (Picture: BBC)
She was cheering on the Strictly contestants (Picture: BBC)
Oti left Strictly in 2022 (Picture: BBC)
Viewers were also shocked to see EastEnders actor Adam Woodyatt in the audience, with @MillieSansoye writing: ‘IAN BEALE KEEPING IT REAL IN THE AUDIENCE.’
‘I see you Ian beale babe,’ @Eliserennart21 wrote, as @ElleLou22 said: ‘NOT IAN BEALE IN THE AUDIENCE.’
Adam was sat in the audience beside fellow EastEnders actress Tanya Franks as they showed their support for co-star Jamie Borthwick, who is partnered with Michelle Tsiakkas.
After Jamie’s incredible matador-inspired paso doble routine to flamenco song Malaguena by Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona, Claudia Winkleman called out the ‘pride’ on Adam’s face, gaining cheers and laughs from the audience.
Adam Woodyatt and former EastEnders actress Tanya Franks were in the audience (Picture: BBC)
The pair were bursting with pride for co-star Jamie Borthwick (Picture: BBC)
Jamie and Michelle performed a matador-inspired paso doble routine (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)
Saturday’s show saw Jamie and Olympian Montell Douglas topping the leaderboard, both on 39 points.
The Gladiator and her partner Johannes Radebe performed a carnival-inspired couple’s choice to Skeleton Move by KG and Zanda Zakuza, and were praised by judge Motsi Mabuse who said they ‘exploded with energy’ on the dancefloor.
Both Jamie and Montell are high scorers of the series so far along with Love Island star Tasha Ghouri and professional partner Aljaz Skorjanec, who were given 39 points last week.
Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe also topped the leaderboard (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)
Pete Wicks’s dance was accused of being’totally illegal’ (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec were given 39 points last week (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)
Coming bottom of the leaderboard was former footballer turned pundit Paul Merson, on 19 points, and Morning Live doctor Punam Krishan, on 21 points.
Elsewhere in the show, Craig Revel Horwood took issue with TV personality Pete Wicks and his dance partner Jowita Przystal’s rumba routine to Oasis hit Don’t Look Back In Anger.
He said the lifts were ‘totally illegal’ and suggested that in a competition there could be a ‘disqualification’ for the moves, but praised Towie star Pete for the work that had gone into the dance, before they were awarded 22 points, one of the lowest scores of the night.
Strictly Come Dancing continues tonight at 7.15pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
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