BBC Strictly’s Toyah Willcox makes feelings clear on judges’ criticism after receiving lowest scores
Strictly Come Dancing’s 20th series is now fully underway, with week two just days away. Last week, the celebrities made their dance floor debuts, and unfortunately for Toyah Willcox, she and partner Neil Jones were at the bottom of the leaderboard on the first week.
Appearing on the show’s spin-off programme, It Takes Two, the actress, singer-songwriter and presenter shared her thoughts on achieving a score of just 12 for her tango.
Chatting to It Takes Two host Janette Manrara on Wednesday, the Strictly couple reflected on their week one dance.
“Now, at the end of the night though, you did find yourselves at the bottom of the leaderboard,” Manrara, 40, pointed out.
She added: “Somebody’s got to be there though – it is what it is.”
“It’s really bad news, isn’t it?” Willcox replied, to which the presenter argued: “Do you know what – the only way is up!”
She continued: “The judges were really critical of the routine, you seem to have handled it really graciously.”
“There’s no point being defensive, these are world professionals,” Willcox explained.
She added: “And they know what they’re talking about – but I’m dancing with one of the best people in the world!”
Jones went on to confess: “She actually turned around to me and said, ‘It’s all true.’ I was like, ‘Don’t let them hear that though – keep that to yourself!'”
“At least you are taking it on board,” Manara responded. During the show, she revealed Willcox and Jones would be dancing the jive next week to Nutbush City Limits by Ike and Tina Turner.
Jones has pointed out how the jive is his favourite dance, adding yet more pressure to Willcox.
“On Saturday, it will happen,” Jones assured the actress as he discussed her showing off her improved dance moves.
He continued: “Everyone is going to see the improvement.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster all smiles in rare family snap weeks after denying ‘rift’ rumoursMaya Jama ‘excited’ as she replaces Rita Ora on ITV’s The Masked Singer panelBBC Antiques Roadshow expert defends refusal to value controversial items: ‘You mustn’t!’
Singing his partner’s praises earlier this week, Jones took to Instagram to share their tango as he penned: “Ok week 1 and what can I say, firstly I am having a blast with @toyahofficial her love of the show and honestly I mean every part is incredible and she just brings Joy into everyone’s lives.”
He continued: “I’ve always said I love a complete beginner and I’m standing by that because it is a joy to enter the studio every day with Toyah and watch her grow and learn, if you watched her day 1 you will see how much Toyah has improved so we are starting our journey with a 12.”
Ending on a positive note, he concluded: “And we will keep finding ways to direct her incredible energy let’s go partner with week 2.” (sic)