Strictly Come Dancing viewers have been rooting for Tony Adams from the beginning and their support paid off on Saturday night (October 29) when the former footballer opened the show and pulled an impressive routine out the bag.
During the latest live show, the remaining 11 couples in the BBC One dance contest took to the ballroom with their spooktacular routines for the annual Halloween-themed week. There were mummies, bees, and Tony brought the trouble dressed as the devil.
But the former Arsenal and England star's performance left him far from getting into trouble with his professional partner Katya Jones as he received his highest score of the competition with 31 for his “quivering quickstep” to The Devil Went Down To Georgia by The Charlie Daniels Band.
READ MORE: Tess Daly tests if 'she's still scared at 53' ahead of BBC Strictly's Halloween special
Opening the Halloween TV special Tony and Katya "shocked" the judges with their performance. Anton Du Beke – dubbed 'Phantom Du Beke' for the night – said: "You are unrecognisable. It is very easy to get stuck in a situation perceived to not be the best dancer on the show doing tricks.
"Don’t worry, I have been down that road. But that’s not you. You are a proper dancer, this was a proper dance. Keep it up, I loved it."
Head judge Shirley Ballas, or should we say Gomez Addams, said: "I’m absolutely in shock. Your footwork was lovely and light. You kept a lovely frame, you have absolutely shocked me.” Craig Revel Horwood, dressed as Morticia Addams, then added: "Welcome to the ballroom, darling. Style, story, technique – I think you’ve actually found your dance, brilliant."
Tony, 56, couldn't hide his delight as he received his critique and heading up the stairs to speak to Claudia Winkleman, Katya said she 'felt sick' but couldn't decide whether it was because of her corset or not as she shared her pride for her celebrity dance partner.
But after receiving his impressive scores, Tony paused the show to issue an apology to Shirley, who gave him a standing ovation after their routine, after he shouted at her last weekend. After performing the cha-cha to the Grandstand theme tune last Saturday night, Tony received a low score of 4 from the show's head judge.
With a dismissive wave of his arm, he yelled out: "Shirley, go home." Strictly viewers were left in stitches and claimed Tony's outburst was the 'highlight of the night'. But during the latest show, he wanted to retract what he said.
"I've got to say to Shirley, I made a comment last week... I mean, I don't have a clue. I accept a four, I accept an eight. It don't really matter, I listen to her [Katya]. But I've got to apologise for my comment."
He then added: "Don't go home, Shirley. You can stay because she is Strictly." As his fellow competitors clapped and 'awwd', Tonny then shouted while attempting to look over to the ballroom: "I'm sorry, Shirley."
Meanwhile, stunned Strictly viewers were flocking to social media with the same remark after witnessing Tony's latest moves. @caroline_neill_ tweeted: "Wait Tony Adam’s can now dance!! He has improved so much! #Tony #Strictly."
@luciejwill echoed: "Wow!! Tony CAN dance!! How much of an improvement was that!! #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly." @bigphil321 wrote: "Wow. Tony Adams there, proving he can dance a bit." @chezd40 praised: "Tony must be putting in so much time and effort to improve like this #strict ly."
READ NEXT:
- Rylan Clark stuns fans with Halloween makeover before posing with EastEnders star 'sister'
- Tyler West sends fans wild over Addams Family makeover with Dianne as he makes change BBC Strictly Come Dancing viewers will spot
- BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Giovanni Pernice lines up 2023 dance partner - and they're a well-known face
- BBC Strictly's It Takes Two turns awkward as Tony Adams reveals Katya told him he 'deserved' low scores
- Gemma Atkinson says Gorka Marquez isn't happy as daughter names giant Christmas elf after BBC Strictly star 'crush'
