Nigel Harman has emerged as an early favourite to win Strictly Come Dancing as he topped the leaderboard during week one on Saturday.
The actor, 50, was proclaimed by judge Shirley Ballas as ‘the one to beat’ after he performed an outstanding pasodoble with dance partner Katya Jones.
The Casualty star danced to Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit and received universal praise from all four judges and received a score of 32 out of 40.
‘That was the dance of the night,’ proclaimed Craig Revel Horwood while Motsi Mabuse added: ‘This at the end of the night was spectacular, amazing.’
Anton Du Beke also praised the actor and reminded the audience it’s not easy for the star who has to close the show.
Contender: Nigel Harman has emerged as an early favourite to win Strictly Come Dancing as he topped the leaderboard during week one on Saturday
Flawless: The actor, 50, was proclaimed by judge Shirley Ballas as ‘the one to beat’ after he performed an outstanding pasodoble with dance partner Katya Jones
Viewers took to X/Twitter to praise Nigel for his performance with one writing: ‘Nigel was amazing! I could just watch that Paso over and over again.’
Another added: ‘That was extraordinary. Nigel Harman’s performance was amazing. Katya Jones is an incredible choreographer.’
A third wrote: ‘Nigel needs to be in the final right now,’ while a fourth said: ‘Top of the leaderboard and definitely worth the wait.’
Another viewer added: ‘I wasn’t expecting that! Brilliant!’
