Judges Praise Karen Hauer’s Sizzling Rumba with Gladiator Star on Strictly

Strictly Come Dancing featured an exciting performance by Karen Hauer and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, a star from Gladiators, during the live show on Saturday night. They wowed the audience with a sizzling Rumba routine that was met with enthusiastic praise from the judges.

Praise for Chemistry and Performance

During their Rumba, the duo displayed remarkable chemistry, captivating viewers and judges alike. Both performers wore matching navy blue outfits, with Karen’s dress featuring a daring thigh-high split. Their routine was set to Roxette’s hit “It Must Have Been Love,” and boasted a sultry tone that resonated with the audience.

Judges’ Feedback

• Both Motsi Mabuse and head judge Shirley Ballas commended the couple for their chemistry and connection.
• Motsi noted, “It was hot!” and emphasized the emotional depth of their performance.
• Shirley echoed this sentiment, highlighting the sensuality that defined their dance.

Despite receiving a score of 26, which placed them joint-third from the bottom on the leaderboard, the judges’ comments celebrated their ability to connect through dance. Karen, who is 43, and Harry, aged 37, kept the audience on the edge of their seats with an engaging performance.

Acknowledging Challenges

After their performance, Harry shared his experience, describing the challenge of stepping outside of his comfort zone. He stated, “I had to try and be this… person. It was really challenging, but we’re here to embrace it.” Karen added a note about feeling awkward, saying, “We’re not the sexy type.”

Their dynamics drew attention on the official Strictly Instagram page, which noted their passionate display, echoing fan sentiments that labeled their performance as “incredible” and “hot.” One user suggested that they were undermarked for their impressive showcase.

Other Performances of the Night

The evening also featured a steamy Argentine Tango by Nikita Kuzmin and Amber Davies, which was rumored to include an on-stage kiss. This moment raised discussions about the so-called “Strictly curse.” Despite these stirring performances, both couples showed strong commitments to their long-term partners outside the competition.

As Strictly Come Dancing continues to delight audiences with its variety of dance styles, the chemistry showcased by Karen Hauer and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey proved to be a standout moment of the Saturday night live show.