Shooting star Grant divides 'Strictly' judges
Russell Grant reached for the stars as he was fired out of a cannon and into his dance routine for one of Strictly Come Dancing’s “best-ever entrances”.
Wearing a silver helmet as his partner Flavia Cacace lit the cannon’s fuse with sparklers, the popular astrologer flew on to the dance floor and performed to S Club 7’s Reach For the Stars.
All the judges agreed last night’s stunt had been a memorable moment in the show’s history – but still only rewarded Grant’s clumsy jive moves with a score of 24, leaving him and Cacace last on the night.
But judge Alesha Dixon said it was “definitely” the best entrance she had ever seen on Strictly.
She added: “What you lacked in your jive technique tonight you more than made up for in entertainment, Russell, and I love you.”
Bruno Tonioli described Grant as “the incredible flying machine, like a satellite circulating into an orbit of madness”.
And Len Goodman said: “The thing is, Russell, I don’t care how many great dancers they have and how many series of Strictly Come Dancing there are, people will always say ’Do you remember when Russell Grant flew out that bloody cannon?’ It will always be remembered.”
As usual, the one scathing comment came from Craig Revel Horwood, who said: “Dumbo comes to mind.”
The eight couples who have survived so far were performing at a special edition at Wembley Arena in front of 6,000 fans, Strictly’s biggest ever live audience.
Those lucky enough to get a ticket were first treated to a spectacular routine by the professional dancers to the hits of Queen.
Once the show proper got under way, only Alex Jones and Chelsee Healey were able to compete for the limelight with Grant.
One Show co-host Jones and her partner James Jordan achieved a score of 35 with a tango to the sound of Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s classic ’80s club tune Relax, while actress Healey and Pasha Kovalev got the same score with a samba.
Fans were also thrilled to see popular pro dancer Artem Chigvintsev make a comeback after a back injury to dance with his partner, Australian model Holly Valance.
Tonight one of the eight remaining couples will have to leave the show after the viewers’ votes are counted.
