The Wanted star Jay McGuiness overcame his nerves to impress the judges on tonight's episode of Strictly Come Dancing, even causing Bruno Tonioli to fall off his chair.
The singer performed a Cha Cha with his professional dancing partner Aliona Vilani to Reach Out, I'll Be There by Human Nature, and was elated after the experience, describing it as "the most fun thing" he’s ever done.
The judges were clearly impressed by his moves, with Tonioli saying he has "the potential to be great", which Craig Revel Horwood agreed with, adding that he needed to "add a bit of showmanship. It’s the next progression and something to look forward to.”
McGuiness received a score of 27 from the judges, with Tonioli awarding him a generous 8 points.
Impressive leap from McGuinness on Strictly
"That was brilliant, right?" @jaymcguiness @alionavilani #strictly https://t.co/UP3WvBlecU
— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) September 26, 2015
First dance of the night! @Jaymcguiness and @AlionaVilani reached out and grabbed the #Strictly dance floor! pic.twitter.com/pot45t7RQq
— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) September 26, 2015
His Wanted co-star Nathan Sykes was also quick to express his admiration for his debut performance, while fans of the show Tweeted about their love of his moves.
I've never been so happy / proud!! @JayMcGuiness you bloody smashed it on @bbcstrictly!!! I'm an emotional wreck. #Strictly
— Nathan Sykes (@NathanSykes) September 26, 2015
Now Peter is a showman, no denying it...but Jay is easily the better dancer. #Strictly
— Katie Holbeche (@katieholbeche) September 26, 2015
I think Jay has bags of potential. Good partnership with Aliona too. 👍 #Strictly
— TheInvisibleWoman (@TheVintageYear) September 26, 2015
I just cried watching #Strictly cos Jay from the Wanted is just too damn cute 😭😭😭
— Sarah Calvert (@sarah_calvert1) September 26, 2015
Boom. Great cha cha Jay. I did feel he looked nervous but no need u were amazing #scd #SCD2015 #strictly eyes off the floor
— Neil Jones (@Mr_NJones) September 26, 2015
Jay mcguinness is so cute on strictly omg
— tara || 5 (@ierohowells) September 26, 2015
Despite impressing the judges, McGuiness didn't top the leaderboard, with Peter Andre and his partner Janette Manrara taking the honour with 30 points out of 40. Len Goodman went as far as to say it was "the best dance of the two nights".
Ain’t No Other Man to end Week One but @MrPeterAndre Andre with Janette, topping the leader board with 30! #Strictly pic.twitter.com/7jqRy2vGLk
— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) September 26, 2015
Whooooo!! That was Major ! #peterAndre @bbcstrictly HOT
— Sinitta 19 (@sinittaofficial) September 26, 2015
Jamelia took to the stage with her Irish dancing partner Tristan McManus to perform a waltz which left the judges underwhelmed, saying that she made a few mistakes. They got 21 points for their efforts.
Magnificent moonlit Waltz for #Strictly Superstar @Jamelia and her partner @TristanMacManus! pic.twitter.com/2lvEP9TFNo
— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) September 26, 2015
Iwan Thomas and Ola Jordan got another disappointing score of 17 after performing a tango which didn't go down too well with the judges. However, Thomas promised to work on his moves for his next dance, saying: "I know I've got to improve, but that's the point of the show."
Was tough tonight sorry if let anyone down I can only improve and now got proper fire in my belly to get better and learn #Strictly
— Iwan Thomas MBE (@Iwanrunner) September 26, 2015
Katie Derham and Anton Du Beke fared a lot better with their jive which was energetic and playful, with Craig saying it was the "most sophisticated and stylish jive" ever performed on the show. Anton was overjoyed with their impressive score of 26.
Roll over Beethoven! @thekatiederham and @TheAntonDuBeke are a smash hit on the #Strictly dance floor! pic.twitter.com/bOrBrkEpda
— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) September 26, 2015
Ainsley Harriott tried to work on his "tango face" for his performance with Natalie Lowe , with Claudia Winkleman saying it was "livid yet charming". They were awarded 20 points.
Georgia May Foote and Giovanni Pernice had a "wonderful first outing" according to Bruno Tonioli with their jive, earning a decent 27 points.
Jeremy Vine smiled enthusiastically throughout his dance with Karen Clifton, but Tonioli wasn't bowled over, commenting: "That dance would actually qualify for the World Dad Dancing Championships, held annually darling in Devon." The judges gave them 19 points.
Bringing the party to the #Strictly dance floor... it's @thejeremyvine and @karen_hauer! pic.twitter.com/GfybuMa3a9
— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) September 26, 2015
Kirsty Gallacher and Brendan Cole were ever-so-slightly better received with their waltz which was described as "whimsical". However, they were awarded just 20 points.
A whimsical Waltz from @TheRealKirstyG & Brendan – will these stars be shooting to the top of the leaderboard? pic.twitter.com/uxWnOAxkVH
— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) September 26, 2015
