BBC viewers ‘scream’ as Strictly Come Dancing icon returns to show

BBC viewers were left ‘screaming’ after seeing a Strictly Come Dancing legend return to the show.

After Jacqueline Wilson was spotted by surprised fans in the audience last week, viewers were eager to find out who might be in attendance on Saturday night.

And they weren’t disappointed as Oti Mabuse was filmed in the ballroom.

Oti left Strictly in February 2022 after a 2019 win with comedian Bill Bailey.

But her return to the show left fans in awe, with @soniayonce writing: ‘WAS THAT OTI IN THE PUBLIC??

‘I just SCREAMED when I saw Oti in the audience’, said @scddevereaux.

‘Me too!’ @lisa_tibbs responded, as @BethanyFoden said: ‘I miss Oti.’

Viewers were also shocked to see EastEnders actor Adam Woodyatt in the audience, with @MillieSansoye writing: ‘IAN BEALE KEEPING IT REAL IN THE AUDIENCE.’

“See you Ian Beale darling,” @Eliserennart21 wrote, while @ElleLou22 said: “NO IAN BEALE IN PUBLIC.”

Adam was sat in the audience alongside EastEnders actress Tanya Franks as they showed their support for co-star Jamie Borthwick, who is partnered with Michelle Tsiakkas.

After Jamie’s incredible killer-inspired paso doble choreography to the flamenco song Malaguena, by Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona, Claudia Winkleman drew attention to the ‘pride’ on Adam’s face, earning applause and laughter from the audience.

Saturday’s show saw Jamie and Olympian Montell Douglas topping the leaderboard, both with 39 points.

The Gladiator and her partner Johannes Radebe performed a carnival-inspired couple pick to Skeleton Move by KG and Zanda Zakuza, and were praised by judge Motsi Mabuse, who said they ‘exploded with energy’ on the dance floor.

Both Jamie and Montell are the series’ top scorers so far, along with Love Island star Tasha Ghouri and professional partner Aljaz Skorjanec, who scored 39 points last week.

Bottom on the leaderboard were former footballer-turned-commentator Paul Merson with 19 points and Morning Live doctor Punam Krishan with 21 points.

Elsewhere on the show, Craig Revel Horwood quizzed TV personality Pete Wicks and his dance partner Jowita Przystal’s rumba routine to Oasis’ hit Don’t Look Back In Anger.

He said the lifts were ‘completely illegal’ and suggested that in a competition there could be a ‘disqualification’ for the moves, but praised Towie star Pete for the work that had been done on the dance, before they were awarded 22 points, a of the lowest scores of the night.

Strictly Come Dancing continues tonight at 7.15pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

Do you have a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or visiting us Send stuff – we love hearing from you.

MORE: Giovanni Pernice ‘set to take part in Strictly Come Dancing 20th anniversary special’

MORE: Strict judge calls for couple’s disqualification for ‘totally illegal’ choice

MORE: Chris McCausland brings the nation to tears with ‘the best thing ever seen on Strictly’