Thousands of Strictly fans were left 'simply amazed' as the beloved ballroom extravaganza returned to Nottingham for an electric show.
Dance enthusiasts were at the city's Motorpoint Arena on Wednesday night (February 9) with long queues snaking around the venue an hour before the show was due to start at 7.30pm.
Some excited fans were seen wearing sequin outfits matching the eight glitterballs hanging from the ceiling inside the venue and glamorous decor.
Strictly favourites Rose and Giovanni were given not only a perfect score from the judges for their two impeccable performances but they also won people's hearts with the "statement dance" in honour of the deaf community.
Retired Maurine and Peter Davies, who are avid fans of the show, came down from Lincolnshire to watch the live event.
In fact, the tickets were Mr Davies' birthday present to his wife.
Ms Davies, 67, said: "He gave me a journal and on the page of this date it had it written that we were going to come to the Strictly Tour.
"It was such a wonderful surprise."
Speaking about the show, she added: "It was just brilliant - Rose is such a wonderful young woman.
"I had tears in my eyes when the music stopped and they continued to dance - it was such a touching moment.
"For a few seconds we felt what the people in the deaf community feel when they listen to the music."
Although she was impressed by the winner's groundbreaking performance, Ms Davies said it was another pair that won the night in her eyes.
She said: "Dance-wise, I think Kai and Maisie were incredible - they were my winners.
"And I absolutely love John and Johannes, too."
The show on Wednesday evening also featured three of the Strictly judges, with Shirley Ballas telling the public that Nottingham was her favourite location out of all, and it was where she met her boyfriend.
Ms Davies added: "Nottingham is a fantastic location, and it is great to see people of all ages attending.
"But I feel like they say it everywhere they go - they have to say it whether it is Birmingham, Leeds or Nottingham.
"The only critique that I would have is on the long queues for the toilet - but the rest of it was great."
Mum and daughter Janet and Sally Froggatt, from Pinxton, watch the show together every Saturday.
Retired Ms Froggatt, 80, added: "I am obsessed with the show - it is absolutely fabulous.
"It does not matter how old you are, it was great being here.
"I loved Rose and her silence dance was so delicate and touching.
"But my all time favourites were John and Johannes - they are brilliant."
Her daughter, 53, said: "My husband bought us tickets for tonight - it was a surprise.
"Me and my mum watched every single episode of Strictly together - so it was a wonderful surprise.
"It was simply amazing."
Although not 'obsessed' with the TV show, friends Andrea Thompson and Georgia Goodwin enjoyed the live tour in Nottingham.
Ms Thompson, from Derby, 56, said: "We have not watched the show, but we won two tickets and came anyway.
"I really enjoyed it - it was great fun."
Ms Goodwin, from Little Eaton, a village in Derbyshire, added: "It was such a good night and it is great to see people of all ages enjoying it as well."
Ahead of the fantastic show, presenter Janette Manrara said: "Nottingham is such a beautiful place for us to perform.
"It normally comes towards the end of the tour so we start getting emotional when we get to Nottingham, like ‘These are our last few shows and we really want to give it our all and enjoy every second of it’. Nottingham crowds become a part of that journey with us."
The second night in Nottingham will bring the Strictly stars again at the Motorpoint Arena with two more shows on Thursday from 2.30pm and 7.30pm.
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