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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Kate Lally

BBC Strictly Come Dancing's lowest ever scores from Ann Widdecombe to David James

Things are heating up on Strictly Come Dancing, as the couples get nearer to the all-important final.

After weeks of practice and constructive criticism, the dancing duos have perfected their moves, with most now scoring a fairly respectable score each week.

But while it's often the best performances that stick in our minds, a small few have become unforgettable for failing to impress the judging panel.

READ MORE: Nick Knowles replaced on DIY SOS after breaking BBC rules

Dancing, it seems, comes more easily to some than others.

Some poor celebrities have even been scored a lowly one for their efforts. Bless them.

To give those famous faces another moment to shine, let's take a look at some of the lowest scores in Strictly history.

All dances featured below scored a maximum of 12 measly points.

Nancy Dell'Olio's Waltz (2011)

Nancy Dell'Olio and Anton Du Beke (BBC)

Nancy's first routine of the series earned her her lowest score.

Bruno Tonioli compared Nancy’s performance to a “curtain stuck on a spin cycle”, after she suffered a spot of difficulty with her feather boa, reports Huffington Post

Craig, Len, Alesha and Bruno scored her and Anton: 1, 4, 3, 4 respectively.

Nancy was later voted off the show in week five.

Susannah Constantine's Samba (2018)

Judges were not impressed with Susannah and Anton's Samba (BBC)

Susannah Constantine's first time on the Strictly dance floor did not go very well.

The routine saw Anton Du Beke emerge from under her enormous hoop skirt, and did not go down well with the judges.

Craig, Darcey, Shirley and Bruno scored: 1, 4, 4, 3.

James Cracknell’s Tango (2019)

James and partner Luba performed the Tango in Week One (BBC)

British rowing champion James Cracknell was seen wiping away a tear after his first Strictly Come Dancing performance.

The double Olympic gold medallist received some very harsh criticism from the judges for his Tango to Gold by Spandau Ballet.

Acid-tongued Craig Revel Horwood labelled him "lethargic", while new judge Motsi Mabuse told him to "let us in".

Craig, Motsi, Shirley and Bruno scored: 2, 3, 3, 3

Ann Widdecombe’s Salsa (2010)

Anton and Ann's salsa scored them just 12 points (BBC)

The former Tory MP lacked rhythm - and much dancing ability whatsoever - but the 63-year-old made audiences laugh with her quips and self-deprecation.

Highlights of the salsa routine included Ann pushing away partner Anton when he gyrated in front of her and buttoning up his shirt after he ripped it open.

At the time, it was the lowest score for a salsa in the show's history.

Craig, Len, Alesha and Bruno scored: 1, 4, 4, 3

David James' Paso Doble (2019)

David was given some harsh feedback (BBC)

Judges were not impressed with former England goalie David James' Paso Doble.

He was given just ten points in total for his efforts.

Following the performance, Bruno Tonioli exclaimed: "That cape work was like shaking a dusty rag.

"You've got a lot of work ahead of you my darling."

Craig, Motsi, Shirley and Bruno score David and Nadiya: 2, 3, 2, 3

Jason Bell's Paso Doble (2020)

Jason and Luba danced to John Williams' Star Wars theme (BBC)

Another Paso Doble that failed to score more than 12 was that of former NFL player Jason Bell and his partner Luba.

Some viewers blamed the song choice, the Star Wars theme, with many divided over the performance.

Head judge Shirley did not hold back when it came to her critique.

While she praised him for giving it a go, she told him it did not capture the character of that style of dance.

She said she appreciated some parts of the performance, but thought it was "very flat footed".

Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One at 6.35pm on Saturday, and 7.15pm on Sunday.

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