Strictly Come Dancing is embroiled in another ‘fix’ row after EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick was called out as a winner of the Glitterball Trophy
Strictly Come Dancing is embroiled in another ‘fix’ row after EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick was called out as a winner of the Glitterball Trophy.
The 30-year-old soap star, dressed as Elton John including feather boa, was one of the highlights of the last night’s show as his quickstep impressed judges who have been accused of influencing viewers with them championing Jamie’s chances of winning the BBC dance show.
Jamie, who plays Jay Brown on Albert Square, has been charged by fans of having an unfair advantage after he won the Strictly Christmas Special with a similar dazzling quickstep routine. This time he was given an impressive score of 30 from the judges after his routine to Elton’s I’m Still Standing.
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The Strictly judges were fulsome with their praise with Anton Du Beke declaring that Jamie must be in the mix to win. He said: “You know you really are a super super dancer. I think you could be one of the favourites to lift the trophy to be quite honest with you. I think you are an exceptional talent.”
Motsi Mabuse also believed that this was the case and added: “Yes, Anton, I think the Glitterball is quite close to you!” After the judges’ remarks, host Tess Daly said that this was strong affirmation of Jamie’s credentials for the overall win. Tess said: “Thank you judges. Two out of four mentioned the Glitterball… that’s big news!”
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PA)Jamie tried to be modest about the remarks and said there was a long way to go before he can be considered to be in with a chance. He said: “It’s a bit too early to be mentioning the Glitterball, but nonetheless, I appreciate everything they say.”
Viewers were quick to point out that Jamie had been given an ‘unfair advantage’. One criticised the dance choice on social media, posting: “The judges mentioning the glitterball after Jamie’s quickstep, the dance that won him the Christmas special last year. If that’s not a coincidence I don’t know what is.”
Jamie has also put to bed the rumours that he might about to fall for the Strictly curse by saying “nobody has to worry” as he gives a defiant response. Fans noticed there was chemistry between the EastEnders star and pro dancer Michelle Tsiakkas, but the actor quickly dispelled any chance of romance as he revealed his Michelle ‘mothers’ him.
Laughing, he told The Mirror: “The idea of that whole Strictly curse, well it’s definitely not going to be a thing here because it would be weird doing that with my sister. Michelle and I met before Strictly and we instantly had a connection. But she is like a sister, an aunt, a mum, a best friend. She’s looking after me, she’s mothering me.”