BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Anton Du Beke in tears over emotional first as star scores 40

Anton du Beke was visibly moved as Tasha Ghouri achieved the series' first 40.

Tasha and her dance partner Aljaz Skorjanec received a standing ovation for their American Smooth to Lewis Capaldi's Someone You Loved, clinching the series' top score of 40 out of 40.

Shirley Ballas remarked on Anton's emotional display, saying: "This is the first time I've seen you cry, and you were very emotional."

To which Anton confessed: "It was beautiful. It just makes me go - this is why we dance. This is the point. People say why do you dance, and that's why. We don't dance for people to say we're wonderful. We dance mostly for how it makes us feel.

"You're extraordinary to watch. And Alijaz, I see you enjoying and I have the feeling myself when I dance ... You want it go like that. Sometimes, it goes like that. This is what it's all about. I watch you dance. I tried to find something I don't like and I like it all."

Following their performance, Tasha and Alijaz were seen in the Claudiatorium sharing a touching moment after achieving their perfect score, before hurrying away to prepare for the Samba-thon.

The episode also featured a Samba-thon where the stars took to the stage simultaneously, each vying for additional points from the judges with their Samba skills.

Comedian Chris expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans and peers, sharing: "I've had lots of lovely messages from people saying you're doing really well and it's nice that fellow comedians think that I'm coming across as myself, that means a lot."

Gladiators icon Montell discussed the personal impact of the show, stating: "It's brought out a side that's been hidden for a long time. I've never been able to express it because I've never danced before. It's more about discovering that side rather than creating a new one. It's like I'm nurturing a side that was locked up in a box."

*Strictly Come Dancing airs weekends on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.