The Australian singer performed her new Christmas song before the semi-finalists learnt their fate
Viewers who tuned into the Strictly Come Dancing semi-final results show on Sunday (December 14) were treated to a performance from Kylie Minogue, but not everyone was impressed. The Australian singer graced the ballroom to perform her new Christmas song called ‘Xmas’.
The 57-year-old was joined by the Strictly professional dancers who performed a joyful routine to her new festive single. But the song, which saw Kylie repeatedly sing the letters X-M-A-S, left fans of the BBC show divided. One viewer hailed: “This Kylie song is such an earworm song,” as another agreed: “What a catchy song,” and one viewer added: “Love the new Christmas Kylie song.”
Meanwhile, one Strictly viewer said: “Sorry Kylie, this is awful,” as another said: “What is Kylie singing… not her best,” and a third agreed: “I do love Kylie but what kind of crappy rubbish song is this it’s awful not a patch on her earlier work.” Kylie’s performance came as the four remaining semi-finalists waited to hear their fate in a bid to avoid the dreaded dance-off.
It was then announced that Balvinder and Julian, and Amber and Nikita, would face each other in the dance-off to earn a place in next week’s final. Balvinder and Julian performed their salsa again, whilst Amber and Nikita danced their couple’s choice again. Judges Motsi Mabuse, Shriley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood all opted to save the former Love Island star, taking her through to next week’s final against George Clarke and Karen Carney.
After missing out on a place in the Strictly final, the EastEnders actress said she adored “every single minute” of her time on the BBC show. Paying a heartfelt tribute to her dance partner Julian, Balvinder said: “I mean, I have no words, actually. You’ve been brilliant in every sense of the word, when I wobbled, and when I felt really brilliant about the dance and got the steps right, you’ve just held me in your hands and you’ve gone, Bal, we’ve got this. It’s just me and you, and we’re gonna do this together.
She continued: “And we have done every single dance together, I’ve never felt alone on this floor, and I just want you to remember me. Don’t replace me too soon!” Meanwhile, Julian was thankful he had Balvinder as his first ever celebrity partner on Strictly. He said: “I just think that Bal embodies what this competition is about. Her spirit is unbreakable, and [to Bal] you have shown me that I’m actually dreaming too small, and Bal can inspire us that whatever any of us want in life, all you have to have is the desire to go after it. It took six dance offs and a perfect score to take this lady out, so I am so so proud of you!”
The results show also featured a special surprise for hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman ahead of their departure after the show’s Christmas Special. The presenters were treated to a highlights package of their time working on the show, including footage from their time with the late Sir Bruce Forsyth, and new interviews with the judges.
The panel, assisted by Kai Widdrington, then presented both Claudia and Tess with their own golden Glitterball Trophy. The band James who performed their 1991 hit ‘Sit Down’.
