Dani Dyer impresses during Strictly icons week with ‘beautiful’ rumba

Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzminplaceholder image
Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin

The TV star was awarded 25 for her routine.

Former Love Island winner Dani Dyer impressed during Strictly Come Dancing’s icons week with a “beautiful” rumba to Hero by Mariah Carey.

The BBC dancing competition opened with the judges dressed as pop culture figures, with Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke channelling Britpop band Oasis.

The pair sported khaki parkas and bowl cuts to resemble the Gallagher brothers, while Motsi Mabuse was dressed as Beyonce and Shirley Ballas wore an extravagant ensemble and blonde wig as Lady Gaga.

A tribute to Madonna as part of icons week (Guy Levy/BBC/PA)placeholder image
A tribute to Madonna as part of icons week (Guy Levy/BBC/PA)

The celebrities were then introduced as their “icon” alter egos, with EastEnders actress Lacey Turner appearing as Adele, while TV presenter Will Best looked like Sir Elton John.

Mabuse said social media personality John Nellis “rocked” the ballroom floor as he opened the show on Saturday, with a paso doble to It’s My Life by Bon Jovi.

The 33-year-old and partner Katya Jones shot to the top of the leaderboard with 29 points.

Du Beke said: “You were sensational. I loved it.”

TV star Dyer and her partner Nikita Kuzmin were next with a rumba to Carey’s hit, which earned them a score of 25.

John Nellis and partner Katya Jones (Guy Levy/BBC/PA)placeholder image
John Nellis and partner Katya Jones (Guy Levy/BBC/PA)

Her father, Rivals star Danny Dyer, applauded in the audience after she was praised by Ballas for her “beautiful” form.

“Your timing was very good. You had quite difficult choreography,” the judge added.

“You kept (your feet) moving all the time, which was amazing. You handled that beautifully.”

It was announced that Delta Goodrem is injured and has received a bye to next week, when it is hoped she and Kai Widdrington will dance again.

Delta Goodrem is injured and has received a bye through to next week (Guy Levy/BBC/PA)placeholder image
Delta Goodrem is injured and has received a bye through to next week (Guy Levy/BBC/PA)

Presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe offered their well-wishes to the Australian singer at the start of the show.

“Delta, my darling, we know you will be watching at home tonight. I just want to say we are all sending you so much love,” dancer Radebe said.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One.

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