Strictly Come Dancing history has been made
Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice have set a new Strictly Come Dancing record after becoming the first couple in the show's history to score a perfect 40 this early in the competition.
Eastenders actress Ayling-Ellis stole the show on the night as she underwent a total transformation as an ice queen and cast a spell over the audience and judges alongside her dance partner Pernice.
They performed a scintillating tango that was roundly met with a standing ovation and an outpouring of praise from the judges.
All four of the expectant judges flashed 10s, including Craig Revel Horwood, to become the first couple of the 2021 series to rack up a perfect score. And it was enough to secure an impressive record in the process.
No couple has ever racked up a perfect score inside the first six weeks, showing that Ayling-Ellis is growing into the celebrity to beat as the competition heats up.
Craig – sporting a full Mad Hatter outfit – beamed after the display and said: "You smashed it!" asking Ayling-Ellis for the corresponding sign language gestures.
Motsi described the dance as "epic" before Anton added: "Perfect" to the mix of unanimously positive comments and the results were inevitable.
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Claudia Winkleman confirmed that a 40 at this stage of the competition is an unprecedented event.
Rose and Giovanni are the new holders of the title, breaking the record set by Giovanni himself while partnered with Debbie McGee in 2017.
They picked up a full 40 in Week 7 after – ironically – stealing the show with a fabulous tango.
However, the new record isn't the earliest 100 per cent score. In 2020, HRVY and Janette recorded a perfect 30 as only three judges were in attendance, but Rose and Giovanni will claim the honour for the full 40.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One ever Saturday. For more to watch, check out our full TV Guide or visit our Entertainment hub for the latest news and features.
Michael Potts is the Sport Editor for Radio Times, covering all of the biggest sporting events across the globe with previews, features, interviews and more. He has worked for Radio Times since 2019 and previously worked on the sport desk at Express.co.uk after starting his career writing features for What Culture. He achieved a first-class degree in Sports Journalism in 2014.
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