Gemma Atkinson has sent some encouraging words of support to Strictly Come Dancing star Molly Rainford after she got emotional following her latest routine. The singer and Britain's Got Talent child star was back in the ballroom on Saturday night (October 29) after surviving the dread dance-off last weekend.
Last week, Jayde Adams became the fourth contestant to leave the competition losing out to Molly after they landed in the bottom two with their professional partners Carlos Gu and Karen Hauer. But Molly, 21, split the judges’ opinions with her Argentine tango to Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) by Kate Bush.
Following their performance, head judge Shirley Ballas said: "I am all hot underneath my collar, there was drama, passion and everything in between. You came back and were determined, foot by foot a really strong performance. I loved it."
Meanwhile, Craig, was booed as he gave his comments but as they did, Anton turned and said: "Really, is that all you're going to give him?" Craig then told the audience to "shut up" as they got louder following Anton's goading. He said: "Everything in this dance is a reaction to the leader, I felt like you were acting two dances."
Molly then struggled to hold back her tears as she headed up the stairs with Carlos to speak to Claudia Winkelman and get their scores. Reflecting on her performance, the CBBC star said: "I had such an amazing time out there, we definitely were nervous because having that case of nearly going home was so awful.
“And having the best time with Carlos who's an amazing partner...” But she was left unable to finish her sentence as she became overcome with emotion and choked up as she tried to talk. Carlos then comforted his dance partner by pulling her into a hug before planting a kiss on her neck.
Despite the mixed comments, Molly received an impressive 33 out of 40 points. And watching from home Gemma shared her own message of support. Posting a video of Molly and Carlos on her TV screen, the Bury-born Hits Radio host typed: "Be proud @mollyrainford. You smashed that tango!!!!" adding a string of smiling faces with hearts.
It comes as Strictly fans hit back at Craig's scoring of Molly and Carlos' routine. @RyanGSoapKing11 tweeted: "WOW a 6 from Craig that was very harsh for Molly. #Strictly." @snackefr0n fumed: "FIGHT ME CRAIG MOLLY DID NOT DESERVE A 6 #strictly." @emrobros saod:" ON WHAT PLANET WAS MOLLY AND CARLOS' DANCE A 6????? What is Craig on? #Strictly." @LuceValentine1 added: "How can Craig give Molly a SIX when they were giving Tony 8s?? that was a great performance I agree with the other 3 judges. #strictly."
It's not the first time Gemma, 37, has commented on the routines as she supports her man Gorka Marquez in the competition. Last weekend she shared her thoughts on Hamza Yassin's routine after he finished top of the leaderboard alongside Gorka and his celebrity partner Helen Skelton.
The wildlife cameraman paid homage to his BBC nature programming background during Strictly's celebration of the BBC's centenary as he danced the quickstep to On Top Of The World by Imagine Dragons, with Jowita Przystal, with fake polar bears in the background. Sharing another photo of her TV screen to her Instagram Story of Hamza and Jowita receiving their comments, Gemma typed: "Love Hamza," alongside an emotional emoji and red heart. "You can tell he's just so lovely," the former Hollyoaks and Emmerdale star added.
And she also sent an encouraging message to Countryfile host Helen. Earlier this month Gemma, who met Gorka after competing in the show herself in 2017 where she made it all the way to the final with former pro Aljaž Škorjanec, said she was "so proud!" in a post alongside a backstage photo of her man and his new dance partner.
"Having the trust and respect from your pro dancer on Strictly is everything. I know first hadn how much we lean on them for support. Especially on the live shows! Aljaz used to have to physically drag me on that floor and reassure me every 8 mins!" The mum-of-one then concluded: "Show them all what you got Helen! When the going gets tough, you get tougher! You got this."
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