Strictly’s Tom Fletcher makes strong comeback with Paso Doble

This week saw Strictly Come Dancing reach its halfway point highlighted by Tom Fletcher and pro partner, Amy Dowden’s Paso Doble.

The performance received a standing ovation from the audience and judges — to which show host, Tess Daly exclaimed: “Enjoy that, enjoy that. What a reaction!"

After a setback in last week’s Halloween special (October 30), which saw the dancing duo receive a total of 29 for their Tango, the two unapologetically reclaimed points for a more promising Paso Doble, earning them an impressive 38.

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When Tess turned to judge Craig Revel Horwood to ask, "Tom did not have the week he wanted to have last week… better tonight?" the notoriously harsh judge replied "Absolutely".

strictly come dancing 2021 week 7 tom and amy

BBC

After a minor critique concerning his minimal movement around the floor, Craig quelled jeering fans by saying he had "never seen a Paso from a male celebrity that convincing […] Really it was incredible."

Tom was noticeably taken aback by Craig's kinder-than-usual comments, as he put his hand to his heart in disbelief.

Motsi Mabuse said Tom delivered "such a strong performance" and concluded she "loved" it. Shirley Ballas stood up to emulate characteristics from Tom's dance such as his "Spanish line" before closing on how he executed certain steps "superbly".

Anton Du Beke rounded up the judges' comments by saying: "Brilliant choreography […] and Tom, excellently danced."

BBC

Many viewers took to Twitter to echo the comments passed by the judges with one user saying: "What a strong performance! Those Spanish lines, the choreography, the outfits! I'll watch this again on demand!"

Another tweeted: "I just came home and tuned into Strictly and saw Tom and Amy dancing. Initially I thought this was a professional couple, then I realised it was our very own Tom Fletcher. Wow! Well done Tom. Brilliant job!"

Given the unanimous reaction to Tom's performance this week, it is undeniable the singer knows how to make a comeback.

Strictly Come Dancing 2021 airs on Saturday nights on BBC One, with results shows every Sunday. Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights at 6.30pm on BBC Two.