Adam Thomas made a triumphant return to Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday after bosses feared an illness could force him to miss out on the live show.
The Emmerdale actor’s performance was hanging in the balance with producers making last minute ‘contingency arrangements’ in case he couldn’t do it.
But taking to the dancefloor, the pair performed an American Smooth to Magic Moments by Perry Como, earning the highest score for the dance style of this series.
Adam, 35, was awarded 32 points from the judges, with Motsi Mabuse hailing it as his ‘best perfromance yet.’
Anton Du Beke exclaimed: ‘It was all magical, the footwork, we had a magic moment watching your footwork, you did it perfectly. It was just a delight.’
Feeling better: Adam Thomas made a triumphant return to Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday after bosses feared an illness could force him to miss out on the live show
‘There was a timing issue where you were a bit out of sync but it was clean and good footwork,’ Craig Revel Horwood added.
Motsi said: ‘That took me by surprise I thought this was your best dance. It was fantastic!’
Agreeing Shirley continued: ‘I thought this was one of your much better performances there was some lovely footwork. You are on the spooky train to success.
Speaking afterwards Adam said: ‘I love it and the compliments tonight were just unbelievable.’
On Saturday morning, it was confirmed that Adam would perform on Strictly Come Dancing’s Halloween special.
A Strictly spokesperson told The Sun: ‘Adam is feeling much better and will be performing tonight.’
His wife Caroline and children had travelled down from Manchester to the Strictly studios to watch him.
The soap star reposted a snap of Caroline and their children Teddy, ten, and Elsie, five, which his wife captioned: ‘SCD week 6 rehearsals here we come’.
Recovered: The Emmerdale actor’s performance was hanging in the balance with producers making last minute ‘contingency arrangements’ in case he couldn’t do it
Well done: But taking to the dancefloor, the pair performed an American Smooth to Magic Moments by Perry Como, earning the highest score for the dance style of this series
Family: Adam confirmed his intentions to return to the dancefloor on Saturday morning as his wife Caroline and children travelled down from Manchester to the Strictly studios
A Strictly spokesperson told MailOnline ‘the health and well-being of the cast’ is an ‘absolute priority’ as plans were being put in place should Adam be too ill to perform in the Halloween special.
It comes after Adam was expected to appear alongside his dance partner Luba Mushtuk on It Takes Two on Friday.
However, the pro dancer arrived solo and explained Adam was absent due to medical reasons.
Host Fleur East told viewers: ‘Unfortunately, Adam is feeling a bit under the weather, but please mention the lovely Luba Mushtuk.’
Luba then proceeded to tell the shocked viewers ‘it is so strange to be here by myself. He is resting now. He just didn’t feel very well but he is resting and getting ready for tomorrow night.’
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: THE CONTESTANTS’ PROFILES
Angela Rippon
Age: 78
Profession: Journalist
Angela says: ‘Having been a fan of Strictly since day one, and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me. A scary one, considering I’m about to be 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge, and perhaps being able to learn to dance the Argentine Tango.’
Amanda Abbington
Age: 49
Profession: Actress
Amanda says: ‘I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I’m actually really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things.’
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: Actor
Layton says: ‘Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Krishnan Guru-Murthy
Age: 53
Profession: Journalist
Krishnan says: ‘I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused to find myself taking part in Strictly on the basis of ‘You only live once!’ I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I am slightly worried about my general decrepitude.’
Eddie Kadi
Age: 40
Profession: Comedian and radio presenter
Eddie says: ‘WOW. Anyone who knows me, understands that music and dance is so important and central to who I am. I’m so unbelievably proud and honoured that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 Team. I promise you, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. This is going to be a VIBE.
Angela Scanlon
Age: 39
Profession: TV presenter
Angela says: ‘I’m not particularly fit, I’ve no idea how my pelvic floor is going to react to this dancing. I’ve never done any dances apart from drunken jiving at a wedding!’
Zara McDermott
Age: 26
Profession: Documentary maker and former Love Island star
Zara says: ‘I am so excited to be joining the world of Strictly! I grew up watching it every year with my nan and she was the biggest Strictly fan. We would dance around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life.’
Adam Thomas
Age: 34
Profession: Actor and presenter
Adam says: ‘I can’t dance to save my life but I’m buzzing to learn and have a good laugh with my pro. Get me on that dance floor…I can’t wait!’
Ellie Leach
Age: 22
Profession: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’
Bobby Brazier
Age: 20
Profession: EastEnders star and model
Bobby says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line up, I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and adding a few moves to my locker. I’m looking forward to performing in-front of everyone.’
Nigel Harman
Age: 49
Profession: Actor
Nigel says: ‘I’m amazed, excited, and terrified to be doing Strictly. As an armchair fan of the show I have watched in awe as people have twirled and gyrated across the screen. And now it’s my turn…..gulp!’
Annabel Croft
Age: 57
Profession: Broadcaster and ex tennis player
Annabel says: ‘I have always loved watching Strictly and can’t quite believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joyfulness in the process.’
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