EMOTIONAL Fleur East was in tears after hearing the judges’ report on her Strictly Come Dancing journey tonight.
Five pairs battled it out in the live semi-final which aired on Sunday for the first time because of the World Cup.
But Fleur, who is the only celebrity in the semi-finals to have scored a full house, has been in the dreaded Strictly dance-off three times.
Tonight she was forced to listen to the judges’ discussing her progress throughout the competition before delivering her first of two semi-final dances.
In a pre-recorded VT Anton Du Beke said she needed to “control the power” and added: “Her best quality to me is being able to come back from the dance off.”
And Motsi Mabuse said: “She just wants to dance and be Fleur, and you can never go wrong when you do that.”
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As Fleur and Vito listened to the comments, the singer and radio DJ Fleur, 35, suddenly started crying.
Wiping away tears she said: “I felt really overwhelmed.
“I’m hoping now to take on their constructive criticism and do my absolute best to get me and Vito in the final.”
Fleur and partner Vito Coppolo then performed a paso doble to The Time Is Now by Moloko and scored 35 for her first dance.
Following their first performance, head judge Shirley Ballas said: “I feel your power. For me I would’ve liked a bit more rounded shape for paso, but generally overall I thought you did a good job.”
Anton said: “This is an exceptional performance for you because I know what you’re dealing with – with your power and intensity. For me this is your best dance for the whole season, I loved it.”
Motsi Mabuse added: “I felt like I was watching a lion parading. For you, I feel it is power of strength…I loved that dance, continue this way.”
It comes amid accusations of favouritism from Shirley towards the male celebrity competitors.
Strictly Come Dancing continues Monday at 8.15pm on BBC One.
