Strictly’s David James has ‘greatest transformation’ in show’s history with stunning quickstep
DAVID James left the Strictly judges gobsmacked tonight with a “miraculous” transformation that saw him record 28 points.
The retired goalkeeper, 49, had been favourite to be axed this weekend, but his quickstep with Nadiya Bychkova to Hugh Jackman’s From Now On has given him a great chance of making it to week four.
Bruno Tonioli enthused: “I’ve never seen a transformation like this. Really I’m gobsmacked.”
While Shirley added: “It’s miraculous the change from week one.”
The comments come after David received the second lowest score in the show’s history.
He left fans in hysterics with his Paso Doble in week two, which earned him only 10 points from the judges.
But despite the microscopic score, he still escaped elimination – with rower James Cracknell being axed in the dance off.
Only one other person has scored lower than David: way back in season two, the judges gave presenter Quentin Willson and dance partner Hazel Newberry eight points for their Cha Cha Cha.
This time, they slated David on his poor technique while performing the Latin dance.
Bruno joked that he had “seen better shaping on safety demonstrations on aircraft” when referring to the goal keeper’s cape movements as he opened the dance.
He then exclaimed: “That cape work was like shaking a dusty rag. You’ve got a lot of work ahead of you my darling.”
Razor-tongued Craig labelled the dance “limp and lame”, while Motsi attempted to salvage the criticism by assuring him there were “a few steps that were okay”.
Fans found the dance funnier than the judges, with one person saying: “David James trying his very best not to smile is so funny!”
Another added: “David James looks like he’s trying to keep warm in goal on a chilly afternoon when all the action is at the other end of the pitch #Strictly.”
Most Read In TV & Showbiz
A third person was a bit embarrassed: “Wish Cracknell and David James could both have been chucked off. Never had to hide behind a cushion during Strictly more #StrictlyComeDancing”.
Ultimately, it was rower James Cracknell, whose jive with partner Luba Mushtuk failed to save him in the dance off.
Got a story? email digishowbiz@the-sun.co.uk or call us direct on 02077824220.
We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.