Hamza Blackpool bound following powerful afro-beat performance

Ardnamurchan-based Hamza Yassin will be stepping out on the world- famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom after performing a spellbinding 'couple's choice' routine on Saturday night's Strictly Come Dancing.

 

The wildlife presenter will don top hat and tails this week when he glides around the famous venue to the Frank Sinatra hit, New York New York, with partner Jowita Przystal.

 

Nothing could be more different to last week's routine which saw the adopted Highlander celebrate his African routes and close the show with a fast moving, colourful 'couple's choice' to the song Jerusalema - Remix by Master KG featuring Burna Boy and Nomcebo Zikode.

 

Once again the judges, or most of them at least, were impressed with Hamza's versatility.

 

'You are incredible,' enthused Shirley Ballas when praising Hamza's fluidity and musicality.

 

'You are sunshine, you are joy,' said an emotional Motsi Mabuse.

 

'Dancing is your language,' added Anton du Beke.

 

Once again, however, Craig Revel Horwood spoiled the party by criticising the children's TV star's timing.

 

For the second week running, Hamza was awarded three 10s and an eight, leaving him second on the leaderboard.

 

The couple were the fifth pairing to learn their fate on Sunday night's vote-off, which saw England football player and manager Tony Adams and dance partner Katya Jones leave the competition through injury after being voted into the dance-off against DJ Tyler West and Dianne Buswell.

 

Eagle-eyed viewers may have spotted Hamza wearing an Ardnamurchan sweatshirt - black with rainbow lettering - in a pre dance video on Saturday night. Jowita was also spotted wearing one on an Instagram post.