With the first Argentine Tango of the series, jaw-dropping transformations and enough wigs to make Dolly Parton’s collection look small, Strictly Come Dancing Halloween week truly delivered. The excitement of the show is palpable, especially as contestants bring their A-game to the dancefloor. This Saturday night’s episode showcased remarkable performances, with three contestants scoring perfect 10s, leaving the audience and judges in awe.
Among the standout performers were Jamie Borthwick from EastEnders, who has emerged as a serious contender for the Glitterball trophy, and Sarah Hadland, who made a spectacular recovery from a mishap to deliver a memorable routine. Meanwhile, Tasha Ghouri from Love Island dazzled once again, consistently achieving high scores.
But it was a contestant closer to the bottom of the leaderboard that had the most to celebrate this week. Former Olympic athlete Sam Quek had been struggling to make her mark, and last week she was in tears after a disappointing Quickstep performance. “I’m just so disappointed because that could have been our moment,” she expressed during her post-dance interview with host Claudia Winkleman.
Sam Quek's Journey in Strictly Come Dancing
What a difference seven days can make! This week, Quek, alongside her professional partner Nikita Kuzmin, had the honor of closing the show. The pair kicked off their Jive performance to “Time Warp,” initially appearing as the dowdy characters Janet and Brad before revealing their dazzling black lace outfits. This transformation set the stage for an electrifying performance.
Throughout their training, it was evident that Quek was enjoying herself and finally looked relaxed on the dancefloor. She high-kicked her way through the energetic routine, leaving behind the nerves from previous weeks. Compared to her shaky Samba from week four, Quek seemed like a different person, fully embracing the vibrant energy of the Jive.
Judges' Feedback and Scores
After an impressive performance, the judges provided positive feedback, with Motsi Mabuse even describing it as the “cherry on the cake” for Halloween week. Quek scored 31 points, marking her highest score yet! While she may still be eight points behind the leader, her performance signifies her growth and determination in the competition.
As the competition heats up, it is clear that Quek should take a moment to bask in the glory of her “Strictly moment.” While there is still a way to go if she wants to be a serious contender, the progress she made this week is a testament to her hard work and dedication.
