Comedian Jayde Adams and her dance partner Karen Hauer have become the first duo on the 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing to receive a standing ovation following their first dance. The pair exuded sass and energy as they took to the stage to perform a samba choreographed to Christina Aguilera's song Dirrty.
Upon finishing the number on Saturday night the audience around the room was standing on its feet clapping ebulliently. Tess Daly, who hosts the show alongside Claudia Winkleman, turned to Jayde and said: "Okay, Jayde, you've just danced on Strictly and got a standing ovation. Did you have a little look around? Did you see them? Do I need to pinch you? It's real!" Understandably Jayde looked emotional as she took in the applause from the audience around her.
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While Craig Revel Horwood had a different reaction to the performance, deeming the dance flat-footed and saying it lacked bounce, Motsi Mabuse exclaimed with pride: "[You] came down the stairs and I said: 'Samba, you are in trouble. You have never met this woman.' You're absolutely contagious. The energy, the selling part of the performance, you've got all of that. Please. do me a favour. Keep it up until... wherever the journey may lead."
Shirley Ballas also added to this, saying: "I don't think we've ever seen on week one that much attitude coming down [those stairs]. Motsi and I were like: 'Hello!'. Just terrific. And I was also impressed with was the frame you gave to Karen." Giving technical tips on footing as well as praise, she ended on saying: "What a start young lady!"
As Jayde came up to the platform to receive the judges' scores the emotion took over as she spoke to her partner Karen. "I love you all so much. If I think about it too hard I'll cry – it's so overwhelming. I can't believe I just did that. We get to do this once a week and we'll all say it about out partners but it's all about you (Karen) baby, this whole Strictly experience is going to be through you. And I'm so proud. Thank you. It's been a great time rehearsing with you – it's been amazing. Thank you so much. You're brilliant."
Despite having received only a score of 23 viewers were quick to comment on the pairing and their dance. Taking to Twitter user @thestageyjems wrote: "Wow!! What a start, can’t wait to see @jaydeadams and @karen_hauer partnership grow week on week."
Another, @Huw_Cook, added: "2 words: Jayde Adams @jaydeadams #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing".
Meanwhile a third, @DeniseYNWAGGTTH, said: "I had absolutely no idea who #JaydeAdams was before tonight but God has she just made me smile. LOVED HER #Strictly #Strictly2022 #StrictlyComeDancing".
@sianreed93 also said: "Yep, Jayde and Karen are sensational. Week one is all about going for it and they certainly did! Was the footwork a bit sloppy? Yes. Was it full of sass and energy? Yes! #Strictly".
The pair are one of two of the show's same-sex couples this year – a history-making move once again for the show. The other pair are Richie Anderson and reigning champion Giovanni Pernice.
Strictly Come Dancing continues next Saturday, October 1, on BBC One.
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