The Ukrainian pro sparked concern when he vanished midway through the show (Picture: Instagram/BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing pro Nikita Kuzmin sparked concern amongst viewers as he disappeared halfway through this weekend’s show – but have no fear, he’s put minds at ease.
The Ukrainian dancer is partnered with Paralympian swimmer Ellie Simmonds this series, and they’ve been delivering strong performances throughout the competition so far.
For Saturday’s BBC centenary special, the duo danced a passionate paso doble to The Apprentice theme song, which is originally from Sergei Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet ballet, well and truly bringing the drama to the dancefloor.
They scored a respectable 30 points for their routine, with Shirley Ballas praising their ‘lovely sense of mood,’ while Anton Du Beke noted the gold medallist’s ‘tremendous’ focus.
However, head judge Shirley deducted one point after noticing an ‘illegal’ lift when Nikita lifted Ellie off the table.
So, when Nikita – who joined the show last year and danced with Tilly Ramsay – seemingly vanished after their dance, viewers were concerned – had Shirley’s comments upset him? Was he hurt? What happened!
Ellie and Nikita danced a fierce paso to The Apprentice theme song (Picture: BBC/Kieron McCarron)
Nikita reassured fans that it was just a wardrobe malfunction! (Picture: Instagram)
Well, none of the above, actually… he just split his trousers.
The pro assured fans with an Instagram comment, after one worried social media user wrote: ‘Anyone know if @nikita_kuzmin is ok haven’t seen him on set all night.’
Responding, Nikita said: ‘just ripped my pants because of this paso,’ followed by crying laughing emoji.
Suggesting this isn’t the first time the wardrobe malfunction occurred, he added: ‘So had to get them sewn for the 3rd time! Thank you.’
The couple are slowly making their way up the leaderboard and are yet to be in a dance-off (Picture: PA)
So, stand down, Nikita Defence Squad, he is fine and his trousers are now in tact, we hope. And, fortunately for him, the blunder wasn’t noticeable on screen, phew!
Ellie and Nikita sailed through to Halloween Week in Sunday’s results show, as it was Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu, and Jayde Adams and Karen Hauer in the dreaded dance-off.
Sadly, and much to the devastation of viewers, comedian Jayde was eliminated, but had nothing but good things to say about her stint on the glitzy dance show.
Sadly, Jayde Adams and Karen Hauer were eliminated (Picture: PA)
Chatting to host Tess Daly following her elimination, the former Adele tribute act said: ‘This has been the best thing I have ever done in my life and I will carry it to my grave.’
The tearful ‘Strictly super-fan’ enthused: ‘It has been an absolute pleasure working with you [Karen] and learning about so much that will go into my own stuff, in my own work.
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‘You are one of the most gifted people I have ever worked with Karen. And everyone on this show, said it to me, when I had you, they said “you’ve got the best one” sorry everyone, and I did and you are fantastic and this has been such an honour.’
She went on to praise the Strictly team for ‘looking after’ all its stars and congratulated her fellow cast members on making it through.
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Stand down, Nikita Defence Squad!