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Strictly Come Dancing star Will Bayley dances Pokémon-themed Paso Doble

Did you catch Paralympian Will Bayley on Strictly tonight?

The gold medallist table tennis player, from Tunbridge Wells, scored 23 while dancing a Pokémon-themed Paso Doble with his partner Janette Manrara, who was dressed as Pikachu, for movie week.

Paralympian Will Bayley from Tunbridge Wells stepping out on BBC TV's Strictly Come Dancing. Picture: BBC (17917974)
Paralympian Will Bayley from Tunbridge Wells stepping out on BBC TV's Strictly Come Dancing. Picture: BBC (17917974)

It was one less point than last Saturday, when the pair earned a score of 24 for their table tennis-inspired salsa.

Judging, Craig Revel Horwood said this week's performance was "full of strength, intent and purpose."

But while Bruno Tonioli praised Will's passion and aggression, both he and Shirley Ballas called for more artistry in his next routine.

Will was born with arthrogryposis, a rare joint condition which affects his legs and arms.

Yesterday he tweeted to say he had had a tough week preparing for the dance contest and was struggling with the most simple movements.

He added: "Me and Janette Manrara have fought really hard and I’m so proud of our dance!

"I hope you all enjoy it as much as I love performing it!"

After the routine he said: "That was so much fun."

In 2017, Will was made an MBE for services to table tennis after winning gold in the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games.

He is currently training to defend his title at the 2020 games in Tokyo.

Strictly Come Dancing logo (17917971)
Strictly Come Dancing logo (17917971)

At least one of tonight's 14 couples will be voted off by viewers. The result will be announced on Sunday night's programme.

Among those also taking part are 60-year-old former TV presenter Anneka Rice, EastEnders' actress Emma Barton who plays Honey Mitchell, BBC sports news presenter Mike Bushell and CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual.

Last week Double gold-Olympic rower James Cracknell OBE was the first celeb to be booted off the dancefloor.

To read more Kent showbusiness stories click here

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