However, Craig Revel Horwood was not entirely impressed, commenting that Sam looked like she had “a hockey stick strapped to her back, she lacked movement and wow factor but fantastic lifts”, which ultimately allowed Sam and Nikita to accumulate 29 points out of 40.

Strictly the fans thought it deserved more, with Sam even letting out a slight groan at the sight of Craig’s six paddles. @Marlijn_Jesse commented: “Why are they so hard on Sam and Nikita?????? Compared to the other dances so far?????? #strictly.” @Evelynsmin asked: “Why are they criticizing Sam more than Wynne and Pete? #strictly.”

@envirolineblog wrote: “Why are the judges always harder on Sam than anyone else?? #Strictly.” @LoniNikita posted: “Why is Sam getting slammed like she’s absolutely shit but Pete got an ‘AMAZING’ from the majority of judges even though the first step of the dance was wrong??? #Strictly.” @AnniesharShar added: “I’m really tired of Sam being under-marked and always with negative comments #strictly.”

Meanwhile, others praised Sam for his continued moves during rehearsals, spotted in his pre-performance VT. @speaknowluver said: “Sam wears Taylor shirts all week training your honor, I love it #strictly.” @danvers_adore commented: “Omg Sam wears various Taylor t-shirts in his VT – queen behavior #strictly.” @hayleywhispers added: “How many pieces of Taylor Swift Sam Quek merchandise can fit in a VT? #Strictly.”