BBC Strictly Come Dancing viewers distracted from Tasha Ghouri's perfect 40 over co-star's 'tears'

Tasha Ghouri was left emotional as she bagged the first perfect score of Strictly Come Dancing 2024 - but fans were distracted. The former Love Island star was back in the ballroom on Saturday night (November 23).

She and professional dance partner Aljaz Skorjanec made it through to week 10 of the BBC One dance contest after near-perfect score last weekend during Strictly's annual Blackpool special.

But it wasn't until now that they have bagged 40 out of a possible 40 for one of their routines. Former Love Island star Tasha was awarded the first perfect score of 40 of Strictly's 20th-anniversary series for her elegant American Smooth with her partner Aljaz.

READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing stars in double blow amid week ten live show ahead of final

Donning a flowing silver gown with a sparkly bodice, the 26-year-old delivered a series of high lifts and dips to Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi for the performance.

Head judge Shirley Ballas praised it as the "Rolls-Royce" of the American Smooth, while Craig Revel Horwood described it as "fab-u-lous". Motsi Mabuse hailed it as "perfection" and said Ghouri had brought the poignant song to life.

Anton Du Beke, who got emotional during the performance with Shirley pointing out he was crying as they went to the judges for their comments, added that this is why dancers perform because of "how it makes us feel".

Aljaz, who returned to Strictly as a pro this year after a two-year hiatus, couldn't hide his excitement as he celebrated the news while Tasha appeared in slight disbelief as tears started to fill her eyes while her co-stars wooped and cheered for them.

But it was Pete Wicks who distracted viewers, with Strictly co-host Claudia Winkleman also pointing out he was crying following Tasha and Aljaz's scores, to which he said: "I'm over the moon," before high-fiving Aljaz and blowing kisses to Tasha.

@EloquentParrot said: "Tasha got a ten, Pete's crying, everyone's happy. SATURDAY! #Strictly #Strictlycomedancing #scd." @BritofaReality commented: "Pete crying for Tasha's 40 #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly." @x_beaumont_x wrote: "Tasha and Pete [crying emojis] #Strictly."

@buttonidiots posdted: "Pete crying because he’s so happy for tasha oml I love them #strictly #StrictlyComeDancing." @LWM3_AWFC shared: "Pete crying for tasha and aljaz was so cute too #Strictly." @LucyDBLanguage added: "#Strictly love how Pete is so happy for Aljaz and Tasha getting a 40."