Flower East got the first perfect 40 in this year’s series Come dance strictly as the BBC broadcast returned to Blackpool.
Saturday’s episode saw the competition return to the city’s prestigious Tower Ballroom for the first time since 2019 after a pandemic-related hiatus.
Fleur received 10s from four judges after channeling her inner Destiny’s Child for her Couple’s Choice Dance with partner Vito Coppola to a megamix of songs by the 90s American girl group.
Dressed in a sequined silver outfit, the singer and radio DJ delivered an energetic routine with slick moves reminiscent of former band members – Beyonce, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams.
Fleur described it as a looping moment as she said she grew up listening to Destiny’s Child and they inspired her to become a singer.
Chief Judge Shirley Ballas said it was “an iconic routine that will go down in history” and praised her confidence in doing a dramatic tilt during the routine.
Craig Revel Horwood simply described it as “fab-u-lous”.
Meanwhile, Helen Skelton and partner Gorka Marquez came in second with 39 points for their quick step to Valerie by Amy Winehouse.
The routine nodded to Grease with the presenter dressed in a pink and black petticoat dress and Gorka in a leather jacket.
Shirley praised Helen’s growth, saying she was left speechless by the performance.
Anton Du Beke said the reaction to his dancing is why the show is coming to Blackpool, adding: “You were amazing. You were brilliant from head to toe throughout this competition. Tonight you have been great from the neck down.
Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal finished third after opening the Blackpool special in sophisticated style performing an elegant American sweetness in Frank Sinatra’s New York, New York.
Wearing a tail suit, the wildlife cameraman performed dizzying lifts and pirouettes to earn a score of 38.
Shirley singled him out as the one to beat, saying “Hamza shone brighter than all the trinkets, beads and bracelets in the world.”
Molly Rainford delivered a dynamic and upbeat jive to Barry Manilow’s Bandstand Boogie alongside partner Carlos Gu to earn a score of 35.
Tyler West also scored 35 after dancing salsa to KC’s Megamix and The Sunshine Band while donning an Afro wig and flared pants.
DJ Kiss FM grooved and performed difficult lifts with partner Dianne Buswell with Ballas praising him for attempting the lifts and for his fluidity, adding, “You’re a star.”
At the other end of the scorecard was Ellie Taylor with a score of 31 for her American sweetness on Cilla Black’s You’re My World.
The dance competition kicked off its Blackpool special in a dazzling fashion with the professional dancers performing among the seaside resort’s funfair attractions in a special opening number.
The show opened with a dedication to the region by residents who reflected on the importance of their city’s relationship with the show.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One with the results broadcast on Sunday at 7.20pm
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