Strictly Come Dancing's Alexandra Burke breaks down as she tops leader board for ‘magic’ quickstep on Blackpool special

Burke fought back tears after scoring 39 points
Emotional: Alexandra Burke and Gorka Marquez
BBC
Emma Powell18 November 2017

Alexandra Burke fought back tears as she topped the leader board during the Strictly Come Dancing Blackpool special.

The former X Factor winner broke down after scoring 39 out of a possible 40 points for her quick step with Gorka Marquez.

Burke was praised by the judges with Shirley Ballas, Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli dishing out 10s, while Craig Revel Horwood awarded her with a nine.

Bussell hailed it “effortless and just gorgeous,” while Revel Horwood deemed it “incredible”.

Magic: Alexandra Burke and Gorka Marquez dancing the quickstep
BBC/Guy Levy

Tonioli said: “As precious as 24 carat gold. The detail, the intricacy – it was magic.

“You did something that could come out of a classic Hollywood movie.”

Burke was moved to tears by the praise, telling Claudia Winkleman she has had the best experience.

Perfect: Aljaž Skorjanec and Gemma Atkinson dancing the American Smooth
BBC/Guy Levy

It comes weeks after she broke down after scoring 39 points for her jive, telling viewers she wished her mother, who died earlier this year, could have witnessed the routine.

Burke faced tough competition from Gemma Atkinson who clinched 38 points for her “absolutely magic” American Smooth with Aljaž Škorjanec.

Finishing bottom of the leader board was comedian Susan Calman, whose Paso Doble was slated by Tonioli who claimed it “had shrunk in the wash”.

Debbie McGee also struggled to contend for the top spot with her samba to the Spice Girls.

It was deemed “spiky and a little bit stiff” by Revel Horwood and “lacking energy” by Bussell.

Strictly Come Dancing 2017 - In pictures

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Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One, Sunday at 7:15pm

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