Saturday, 20 November 2010

Strictly 2010: Ann Widdecombe brings the house down with a hilarious samba... dressed like Big Bird

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

'Flying canary': Brave Anton attempts to lift Ann off the ground in their disastrous samba

She's become renowned for her comically-awful dance routines on this year's show, but tonight Ann Widdecombe surpassed even herself with a hilarious samba on Strictly Come Dancing.

Dressed head-to-toe in a bright yellow feathered ensemble - and bearing more than passing resemblance to Sesame Street favourite Big Bird - the politician drew gasps and laughter in equal measure as she was dragged around the dance floor by partner Anton Du Beke.

For much of the routine, Ann seemed rooted to the spot as partner Anton desperately tried to salvage the dance by prancing and twirling himself around her.

However, it was the routine's finale that had the audience in hysterics as Anton attempted to swing Ann by her feet and dropped her, leaving her crumpled on the floor.

Despite her blatant lack of co-ordination on the dance floor - and her point-blank refusal to participate in any dance moves she deems to be indecent - underdog Ann has become a firm favourite with viewers.

Mover: Ann spent much of the dance not moving, but sprung into action for the routine's ambitious finale

Heading for disaster: Anton loses his grip on Ann

The audience cheered with jubilation when she finished her routine and booed judge Craig Revel Horwood when he labelled Ann's performance as 'overwhelmingly awful'.

An unamused Len told her: 'You're like haemorroids Ann. You go away, come back and each week is more painful than the last. This must be where crop circles come from - it's where you're rehearsing.'

Bruno described her as canary that never took flight.

Hoping for a miracle: Ann and Anton await their fate with the judges

Scathing: Craig can barely hide his contempt for Ann's efforts while the look on Bruno's face says it all

Craig could barely contain his contempt as he awarded Ann just one point for her samba. Collectively, the judges gave Ann 13 points - just one point more than awarded for her disastrous salsa which was the lowest ever score on the show's history.

Ann was seen arguing with Anton in rehearsals as he tried to get her to move her hips, which she refused to do because it was 'too sexy'.

It remains to be seen whether tonight's performance will finally see her booted out of this year's tournament or her huge public backing will keep her in another week.

Uncanny: Ann's bright yellow feather-inspired outfit made her look like Big Bird

Snake-hipped: Scott Maslen and Natalie Lowe performed the samba and scored 32 points

Meanwhile, the other contestants celebrated much higher scores for tonight's special show, which took place at Blackpool's Tower Ballroom.

Matt Baker and partner Aliona Vilani dazzled with their acrobatic samba, earning them the highest score of the night, 38 out of 40.

Emmerdale and Holby City actress Patsy Kensit was described as a 'true Vegas strumpet' when she opened the show with partner Robin Windsor with a samba. The pair were awarded 28 points out of a possible 40.

Shaking their stuff: Patsy Kensit was described as a 'true Vegas strumpet' when she opened the show with partner Robin Windsor while, Felicity Kendal is seen right with partner Vincent Simone

Classy: Kara Tointon astonished the judges with a 'truly inspiring' American Smooth with dance partner Artem Chigvintsev

EastEnders star Kara Tointon astonished the judges with a 'truly inspiring' American Smooth - despite dance partner Artem Chigvintsev sustaining a painful neck injury during rehearsals.

Artem was unsure whether he would be able to take part in tonight's show after he hurt his neck lifting Kara during rehearsals. But he didn't even flinch when he hoisted Kara on to his shoulders for the 'flawless' lift.

The contestants will learn who will be next to leave the tournament in tomorrow's results show.

Not so smooth: Gavin Henson and Katya Virshilas performed the American Smooth, but was criticised for being 'lame and lacklustre'

On top: Matt Baker and partner Aliona Vilani dazzled with their acrobatic samba, earning them the highest score of the night, 38 out of 40

Dancing shoes on: Pamela Stephenson and James Jordan took to the floor and performed the American Smooth

source: dailymail