Just seven couples remain on Strictly Come Dancing, with the couples set to perform their own routines as well as take part in the samba-thon

Anton du Beke broke down in tears as Tasha Ghouri bagged the first 40 of the series.

Tasha and Aljaž Škorjanec danced their American Smooth to Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi, which earned high praise from the judges. The pair scored a perfect 40 out of 40, the first of the whole series so far.

Shirley said to Anton: “This is the first time I’ve seen you cry, and you were very emotional.” Anton then admitted: “It was beautiful. It just makes me go – this is why we dance. This is the point. People say why do you dance, and that’s why.

“We don’t dance for people to say we’re wonderful. We dance mostly for how it makes us feel. You’re extraordinary to watch. And Alijaz, I see you enjoying and I have the feeling myself when I dance … You want it go like that. Sometimes, it goes like that. This is what it’s all about. I watch you dance. I tried to find something I don’t like and I like it all.”

Alijaz and Tasha danced an American Smooth

Tasha and Alijaz received a perfect 40 out of 40 for their routine. In the Claudiatorium, Tasha and Alijaz were visibly emotional as they celebrated their perfect score on the show before being rushed off to get ready for the Samba-thon.

This week, the celebrities also participated in a Samba-thon, taking the dancefloor together to perform their best Samba moves and earn extra votes from the judges.

Anton got rather emotional

Comedian Chris spoke of how grateful he is for all the support from his fans and fellow comedians. Explaining what it means to have everyone’s support, he revealed: “I’ve had lots of lovely messages from people saying you’re doing really well and it’s nice that fellow comedians think that I’m coming across as myself, that means a lot.”

Gladiators star Montell added what the show means to her: “It’s brought out a side that’s been hidden for a long time. I’ve never been able to express it because I’ve never danced before. It’s more about discovering that side rather than creating a new one. It’s like I’m nurturing a side that was locked up in a box.”