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Johannesburg – Viewers tuning in to Strictly Come Dancing were on the edge of their seats on Saturday night after the SABC3 hit reality dance show revealed another surprise: None of the contestants are going home this week!
The development, which caught not only the audience but the contestants and the judges off guard, was revealed by co-hosts Katlego Maboe and Roxy Burger during Saturday night’s results show and comes as many viewers are still reeling after Queen of Bling Khanyi Mbau’s unexpected elimination in week six.
"I’m done being shocked with anything that happens on this show," said judge Samantha Peo in sentiments echoed by fellow judges Tebogo Kgobokoe and Michael Wentink. "It’s actually a relief for us because we don’t have to send anyone home. You guys get another chance to show us what you’ve got!"
"I was getting ready for extra time to dance off, but happy no one is being sent home," quipped former rugby player John Mametsa, referring to the previous week which saw him and partner Nombulelo dance off against Khanyi and her partner Quintus to stay in the competition.
Viewers can rest assured that every vote cast, as well as the judges scores for the week, will still count and will be added to the votes next week when Strictly will say goodbye to one couple.
With half the couples now left in the competition, Friday night’s show saw each of the couples taking to the dance floor twice.
Here's what went down on the show
The show opened with Ashish Gangapersad who Jived to You Can Never Tell from the Pulp Fiction soundtrack with his partner Lindsey and, for once the judges largely favoured the Isidingo star’s performance, with Samantha expressing surprise, saying: "I think you’re actually getting better" while Michael said, "I think you’re becoming more comfortable with yourself, but there were a few errors."
Only Tebogo was less favourable but Ashish did win her over with his second performance later in the evening, which she described as "Clean dancing. Good technique. A good improvement".
Michael was even more praiseful, saying: "I believe that was probably your best performance so far" for the routine which saw the actor ably Foxtrot to Gene Kelly’s Singing in the Rain.
Not so lucky was John Mametsa, whose Foxtrot with partner Nombulelo to Show Me How You Burlesque by Christina Aguilera saw all the judges criticise his posture.
The Polokwane-born sport star did manage to salvage things the second time around, however, with Tebogo admitting his Quickstep "was much better" while Samantha coo-ed, "You are gutsy and fearless!".
Meanwhile, blonde actress Leandie Du Randt who last week scored the season’s highest score, confirmed she’s one of the competition’s top contenders to take the crown.
Her Viennese Waltz to Kinders van die Wind by Laurika Rauch with partner Brandon stirred Michael, who described the performance as "Absolutely beautiful!".
The Sokkie Bokkie divided the judges, though, with her second performance – a Samba to Gasolina by Daddy Yankee.
Injuries came to the fore for the final two contestants, LeAnne Dlamini, who injured her knee and was out of action for two days, while Jonathan Boynton-Lee had trouble moving his neck after a wardrobe mishap with his partner Hayley’s dress the previous week.
However, it didn’t stop them from Acing their performances - in fact, Jonathan scored the week’s highest score for his emotionally charged Waltz to Misery by Pink and Steven Tyler which Samantha described as "the performance of the evening".
Less successful was the Top Billing hunk’s second foray where he mixed up his steps in the Jive to Happy by Pharrell.
SAMA winner LeAnne has been a consistently good performer throughout the season, and her sensational Samba to Nwa Baby by Flavour and her Quickstep to Valerie by Amy Winehouse with partner Johannes reflected this with Tebogo commending the singer for her "musicality" and her "natural ability to dance the steps".
Strictly SA is broadcast on SABC3 every Friday at 20:00 and the results show on Saturdays at 19:00 after the 18:30 news.
See all the performances here!
