Tangotastic!

Susan Calman wows Strictly judges

Susan Calman tangoed her way to Blackpool on Strictly Come Dancing this week.

She and dance partner Kevin Clifton scored a more-than-respectable 27 points from the judges on Sunday night, placing them 6th out of the remaining nine couples on the leaderboard.

And when the public vote was considered, they avoided the dreaded dance-off.

The drama of the dance, which they performed to Firework by Katy Perry, brought the comedian to tears. Head judge Shirely Ballas said: ‘I think you really felt those emotions because you really tried to put them into the tango ‘I’m used to seeing you in a comic role… and today you bring the serious side of you.

‘You didn’t miss a step. You have lovely footwork, strong heels.

‘You still have to keep working but from week one to this one, you’ve come on huge strides.’

She awarded an impressive eight points - which was matched by Bruno Tolioni.

He said: ‘I loved the way you channelled your dramatic persona. She had a pout and smile in her face. You did every single step at exactly the right time. You never lost the timing.’

Darcey Bussell awarded a six and added: ‘It was outstanding, the focus and drama you brought to it. You started with a very strong frame and that lovely pout but as you got into it you get more and more emotional’ ’- but said that meant Calmanlet her pose slip.

Awarding a more modest five, Craig Revel Horwood had some criticism, saying: ‘Your posture is the main thing that bothers me. It lacks for me a bit of dynamic attack. Your feet weren’t always closing. But I have to say I love the serious side of you.’

In the end, Ruth Langsford and Anton Du Beke became the seventh couple eliminated, losing the dance-off with Jonnie Peacock and Oti Mabuse.

All those still in the competition – including Susan and Kevin – nowl take part in the contest’s prestigious final stages in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

Before this weekend's shows, Calman expressed her love for the show in a series of tweets.

She said: ‘I wanted to do Strictly to prove that I could do something terrifying if I just believed in myself. I'd love to get to Blackpool but no matter what happens I think I've done that. Because if I can be Wonder Woman, anyone can.

‘All my life I've thought I was fat and ugly. I feel beautiful for the first time. Schmaltzy maybe. But true and bloody brilliant. It's not just about dancing for me. It's life changing.’