Dan Walker is determined to put his best dancing foot forward on Strictly Come Dancing tonight – despite being dealt a blow about his routine.
The BBC Breakfast host, 44, and pro partner Nadiya Bychkova will perform a Rumba for week 10 of the series.
However, it seems the odds could be against him if he’s hoping for Nadiya’s favourite dance to be truly memorable.
Nonetheless, Dan revealed today (Saturday November 27) he’s glad to have made a “huge change” thanks to his Strictly experience.
Why has Dan Walker been dealt a blow on Strictly?
Earlier this week on It Takes Two, Janette Manrara discussed how Rumbas had gone down in previous series.
In a possible bad omen for Dan – even though he has only scored two 9s – it was revealed that a perfect Rumba score has never been achieved in Strictly history. It is apparently the only dance ever not to have been scored 40.
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Host Janette was also informed it wasn’t until series six until a Rumba received a 1o at all.
Furthermore, it goes to show how rare a highly-marked Rumba has been that Janette remembered who danced it.
“That was a beautiful rumba,” she reflected on the leading effort from Rachel Stevens and Vincent Simone, who scored 39.
What Nadiya makes of Dan’s performance in rehearsals
Despite the Rumba’s history on Strictly, Nadiya remains confident about Dan’s efforts.
She told host Rylan during Friday night’s (November 26) It Takes Two: “It’s going really well [in rehearsals].”
Nadiya also admitted the Rumba is her “favourite dance”.
She explained: “It is very technical, lot of details.
Let me tell you this – Dan is amazing.
“The song is very slow and the choreography I’ve made is not easy.
“But let me tell you this – Dan is amazing.”
Amazing enough to become a Strictly record-breaker, though?
What is the “huge change” Dan has spoken about?
Earlier today, Dan – who joked It Takes Two viewers are keen to see him go – seemed in a reflective mood, admitting he’s ‘not the best dancer’.
He thanked well-wishers for their support in an Instagram address. And he also acknowledged how being on the show had helped him make a “huge change”.
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As he spoke, Dan singled out fans “who have shared my fear of the dance floor – or still do” as he bigged up his partner.
He continued: “I’ve always wanted to feel comfortable on one, but never have… until the last few weeks.
“And that’s a huge change for me, and it is all down to Nadiya.”
Strictly Come Dancing next airs tonight, Saturday November 27, on BBC One at 6.55pm.
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