BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans spot 2024 series winner after 'icon' performance

Strictly Come Dancing fans have pinpointed the champion of the 2024 series - and it's not current favourites Chris McCausland or Tasha Ghouri.

Saturday (November 2) was another dazzling night in the ballroom, marking a first for the BBC One dance contest. In honour of its 20th anniversary, Strictly unveiled a new themed week.

The newly launched 'Icons Week' saw the remaining 10 celebrities and their professional dance partners take to the dance floor to perform a routine set to a track from a famous singer or band, including George Michael, Madonna, The Beatles and Bruno Mars.

JLS star JB Gill and stand-in professional partner Lauren Oakley bagged the joint-top score of the evening while JB's regular partner, Amy Dowden, watched from the studio, reports the Express.

Amy, the Welsh professional dancer, missed last Sunday's results show after being rushed to Barnet Hospital from the BBC One show's production centre, Elstree Studios as a "precaution" when she began "feeling unwell" following their Halloween special performance, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Lauren, who doesn't have a partner for this year's series of the BBC dancing show, stepped in for her, performing a Bruno Mars medley with JB during the latest live show, earning a score of 39 out of a possible 40, his highest score of the series and first 10's.

Reality TV star Tasha Ghouri and her dance partner Aljaz Skorjanec impressed audiences with their routine to P!nk's 'What About Us', scoring a series high of 39 points. Judge Anton Du Beke praised Tasha, saying, "I didn't notice Aljaz once, you were exquisite, you made it personal and just lovely."

Aljaz graciously accepted the compliment.

Meanwhile, former Olympian Sam Quek and her dance partner Nikita Kuzmin earned 29 points for their American Smooth to Taylor Swift's 'Love Story'. Comedian Chris McCausland and his partner Dianne Buswell also scored 29 with their tango set to Kiss's 'Rock And Roll All Nite'.

However, it was Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola who truly captivated the audience, achieving an outstanding 37 out of 40 for their cha cha to Madonna's iconic 'Just Like A Prayer'. Embodying the Queen of Pop, Sarah delivered a performance to remember.

Dressed as Tina Turner for the theme night, Judge Motsi Mabuse lavished praise on Sarah and Vito. "This was iconic, whole package made sense, tight steps, on-point and rhythmical, rolling like Tina," she enthused.

As the competition crossed its midpoint, fans of Strictly are already tipping Sarah and Vito as potential winners for the 2024 season. On Twitter, @Daniel_Bevis expressed excitement: "Fab again from Sarah and Vito! I think they're our 2024 winners guys #Strictly."

Meanwhile, @BRATTYBARBl was utterly impressed, tweeting: "Sarah Hadland truly deserves to win this series... she's a bloody insane dancer #Strictly."

Similarly, @SeaThundr couldn't hide their admiration and exclaimed: "Sarah Hadland is winning this. Icon. Legend. #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing."

Strictly Come Dancing: The Results will air on BBC One at 7.20pm on Sunday

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