Strictly interrupted for 'show first' as Shirley Ballas leaves judging panel in tears

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas left the judging panel as she fought back tears in an emotional show first this evening. She was clearly moved as actress Alex Kingston and her professional partner Johannes Radebe took to the floor for a rumba to Fast Car by Tracy Chapman.

In a move that has never been done before on the BBC show, Shirley left the judging panel and made her way to the dancefloor to join the celeb and her dance partner. "I have to tell you," she said. "I'm going to get emotional... but in all of my time on Strictly I have never seen a pair of legs work like that." She went on to say that it was an "absolutely perfect routine" with "stunning choreography." She added that the temperature between the dancers was "portrayed beautifully." Suddenly, Shirley put her arms out to Alex as she asked: "May I give the Queen a kiss?"

The women then embraced each other in a warm hug, as Alex had tears in her eyes and she said: "I'm going to cry!" Shirley then returned to the bench, leaving host Tess Daly completely in awe.

"That's never happened before in Strictly history," she declared. By this point, Alex was overcome with emotion and had tears running down her face.

Tess also felt the feelings in the room as she said: "Oh, goodness me, I wish I had a tissue!" Back on the judging panel, Anton was left completely speechless as he followed in Shirley's footsteps and made his way to the floor to shake Alex's hand, giving her a huge "well done".

However, Craig was met with deafening boos as he offered a bit of criticism saying that she should extend her legs a little more. Once the audience's reaction died down, he added: "You are becoming quite the dancer." The boos then quickly turned to cheers.

Motsi also delivered a glowing review as she said: "This was on a whole different level." Alex put the spectacular dance down to her "amazing connection" with Johannes.

The dancing duo secured an eight from Craig, a nine from Motsi, a 10 from Shirley and a nine from Anton, giving them an overall score of 36 points.