Strictly's James Jordan has criticised Giovanni Pernice's decision to attempt a risky 'dive lift' to impress the BBC show's judges.
Giovanni and his Eastenders star partner Rose Ayling-Ellis danced to the American Smooth on Saturday night to a rendition of 'This Will Be (An Everlasting Love).
But Strictly's James Jordon reacting to the pairs performance has told how he felt their latest offering wasn't one of their 'epic performances' but they still deserved to be at the top of the leaderboard.
And commenting on the controversial 'dive lift' choreography decision by Giovanni, he said the 'leap of faith' lift 'wasn't needed'.
In his Column for Hello Magazine, he explained: "I was never of those professionals that pushed the boundaries on Strictly, but I do think it's incredible when it's done correctly.
"I always preferred to keep it clean and safe with my celebrities. I didn't think that "leap of faith" lift was needed in such a stunning American Smooth - though I can see why it impressed the judges."
Offering his expert take on the choreography he added: "Everything from how that person holds themself, to how strong the person lifting is, to the trust you have in each other is important."
Fellow Strictly pro Orla Jordan also echoed James' saying some parts of Giovanni's choreography 'weren't necessary' but praised the pair for 'pushing boundaries'.
Towards the end of their routine, Rose faced Giovanni and, after a run-up, she jumped towards him and, as soon as he caught her, Giovanni started spinning her without touching the ground.
But despite James' critique he still tipped Rose to be in the final and even winning the show
He continued to tell the publication: For me, the only dancer who is guaranteed be in the final is Rose. If I'm honest, I think she's got the Glitterball trophy already - and she deserves it."
Meanwhile Rose is clearly loving her time in the competition and is backing her dance teacher's bold choreography decisions.
Taking to Instagram the EastEnders actress, 27, wrote: ''A leap of faith. What a perfect phrase to sum up our partnership. Trust is super important in dance and I’ve learnt that very quickly.
''I know Giovanni is always there to catch me and that’s what makes him so good at what he does!''
Elsewhere in the competition viewers watched a nail-bitting result show which saw BBC Breakfast star Dan Walker and Nadiya Bychkova eliminated in a tense quarter-final dance-off.
The judging panel, made up of Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke, chose to save AJ and Kai Widdrington – who performed a salsa to Rhyme Is Gonna Get You / Get On Your Feet.
*Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday at 7.05pm on BBC One.
