Strictly 2022: Will Mellor performs despite being unwell as he’s given 23 points for Rumba

Strictly Come Dancing’s fourth live show of the series hit BBC One on Saturday evening, with the 13 couples set face the third public vote of the series.

After giving it their all on the dancefloor last week, the celebrities once again learned a new routine as things stepped up a gear in week three thanks to the Movie Week special.

Will Mellor – who had been struck down with an illness during the week – and Nancy Xu danced the Rumba to The Joker And The Queen by Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift – which gained them a score of 23.

Strictly Come Dancing 2022: Will Mellor performed with Nancy Xu despite being unwell as they were given 23 points for Rumba dedicated to mental health sufferers

In his VT, the EastEnders star had said: ‘Monday I came into training and after a couple of hours, I felt funny. I’ve come down with a terrible virus.

‘The actual story behind the dance is powerful, it bring me back to a time when I wasn’t in a happy place. Men find it difficult to talk so I hope people see this and go, “Yeah, I am struggling and can reach out, with something there to catch you.’

Will previously opened up about his mental health crisis following the death of his sister nine years ago and the passing of his father in 2020.

Judge Motsi Mabuse said: ‘It’s great to see the spark between you two is always there. But your body posture is better now than when you were dancing. With such a slow Rumba song, your spine is important for what’s happening up and down.

Opening up: He said: ‘The actual story behind the dance is powerful, it bring me back to a time when I wasn’t in a happy place. Men find it difficult to talk so I hope people see this and go, “Yeah, I am struggling and can reach out, with something there to catch you’

‘Ask where do you stand and where is your spine, those things didn’t come together today. We know you’re talented so come back stronger next time.’

Ellie Simmonds and her partner Nikita Kuzman gained a score of 30 while dancing the Salsa to Shanice’s I Love Your Smile, with Anton Du Beke saying in his feedback: ‘I’m already in a wonderful mood and now I’m in an even better mood.

He added: ‘What I love about your dancing is you always get the right atmosphere for your dance. That was a great performance and I enjoyed it, well done.’

Matt Goss and Nadiya Jived their way to 20 points, with Shirley Ballas saying: ‘There is no disputing you are 100% committed to this competition for sure. I can see you have it in your eyes and want to improve. I think you’re doing quite well with your coordination but now is time to focus on your feet.’

Wow! Ellie Simmonds and her partner Nikita Kuzman gained a score of 30 while dancing the Salsa to Shanice’s I Love Your Smile, with Anton Du Beke saying in his feedback: ‘I’m already in a wonderful mood and now I’m in an even better mood’

Dancing the American Smooth, Jayde Adams and Karen Hauer 

It comes after Shirley was accused of sexism and racism in a furious social media pile on following last week’s episode.

Shirley, who landed the head judge role in 2017, is at the centre of a new fix row as some Twitter users demand she is sacked over her critique of this series’ celebrity contestants.

Sunday night saw the public vote singer Fleur East into the the dance off alongside Radio 2 star Richie Anderson. 

While Shirley’s three co-judges voted to save Fleur, Shirley admitted she would have saved Richie. 

Entertaining: Matt Goss and Nadiya Jived their way to 20 points, with Shirley Ballas saying: ‘There is no disputing you are 100% committed to this competition for sure. I can see you have it in your eyes and want to improve’

Alongside claims she favours male contestants on the show, Shirley has been accused of having ‘favourites whether they have ability or not’, with many arguing that Fleur had been the superior dancer to Richie. 

She has also come under attack for flirty comments about male contestants after she described Will Mellor as ‘easy on the eye’. 

Fans have since defended the TV personality against the ‘uber woke’ brigade, pointing out her role on the show is to be a judge and offer criticism to help the celebrities improve. 

Head judge: It comes after Shirley was accused of sexism and racism in a furious social media pile on following last week’s episode

Shirley is a three time Latin American Champion, 10-time US Latin American Champion, and multiple-times British National Champion, with many fans pointing out her extensive experience in defence of the star. 

Meanwhile, appearing on Wednesday’s episode of Loose Women, Shirley insisted ‘I don’t have a mean bone in my body’ as she called out the ‘hurtful’ and ‘explicit’ comments online. 

‘The backlash and trolling has been a lot,’ Shirley told the Loose Women panel.

‘I appreciate the audience has been there for 20 years,’ she continued, ‘but when you watch a screen you can only see half of what I see, the feet and everything. I love that they have an opinion but then it goes overboard and its not nice.’

‘It’s a tough industry and has been a tough industry all my life,’ she said before her voice cracked and she admitted ‘I’m getting emotional already.’

‘Saturdays are the ultimate job. I do read everything. I know people say not to but I think it’s quite important. I like to think I’ve helped so many people over the years, people with mental health issues.’

‘But it is really hurtful, some of the language is so explicit I couldn’t even retweet it, its unfathomable.’

With another star set to lose their place on the show this week, the pressure will be on as the remaining contestants try to make it through to Week Four’s BBC Centenary special.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One at 7:15pm on Sunday – when one more couple will be eliminated from the contest.

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2022: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?

KYM MARSH

Age: 46

Profession: Coronation Street star and presenter

Kym says: ‘I’m so delighted that this year they have! I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress.’

ELLIE SIMMONDS 

Age: 27

Profession: Former athlete 

Ellie says: ‘To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it’s going to so much fun.’

TYLER WEST 

Age: 26

Profession: Radio DJ

Tyler says: ‘It’s a show that means so much to me and my family and I can’t wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor… with a side of sequins.’

ELLIE TAYLOR

 

Age: 38

Profession: Comedian

Ellie says: ‘Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I’m absolutely over the moon to be a part of Strictly 2022!’

TONY ADAMS MBE 

Age: 55 

Profession: Retired footballer and manager

Tony says:  ‘To say I’m excited is an understatement – the lure of the sequins and the call of the salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly soft shoes’

JAMES BYE

Age: 38

Profession: EastEnders actor

James says ‘I’m not known for my shimmy or my twinkle toes – in fact my kids regularly laugh at my dad dancing but it’s an honour to be asked and I’m going to give it my best shot.’

WILL MELLOR

Age: 46

Profession: Actor

Will says: ‘I know it will be a huge challenge but that’s what life is all about. This is also my Mum’s favourite show and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing this is for her as well. Bring it on!’

 JAYDE ADAMS

Age: 37

Profession: Comedian

Jayde says: ‘I’ve been a massive fan of the show for years. I feel like I’m watching myself in a dream and I can’t believe I’ve manifested this.’

MATT GOSS

Age: 53

Profession: Singer

Matt says: ‘I’ve been reclusive, I come and work and then go back to America. I thought, it’s time for me to come home and get out of my own way’

 MOLLY RAINFORD

 Age: 21

Profession: Singer 

Molly says: ‘I already know it’s gonna be an experience of a lifetime and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the Strictly family I’ll be sharing it with.’

FLEUR EAST

Age: 34 

Profession: Singer

Fleur says: ‘I’m equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year’s Strictly line up. I’m excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience.’

 HAMZA YASSIN

Age: 35

Profession: Wildlife cameraman and presenter

Hamza says: ‘I am absolutely over the moon to be joining Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show.’

HELEN SKELTON

Age: 39

Profession: TV and radio broadcaster

Helen says: ‘I’m really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started’

 

 

 

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