Punam Krishan’s emotional performance brings Bollywood to Strictly Come Dancing for first time

Scottish presenter and Glasgow GP Dr Punam Krishan brought a touch of Bollywood to the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor this week. Along with partner Gorka Marquez, they performed their couple’s choice to Bole Chudiyan from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. It is the first time in the show’s history that a competing couple has performed to a Bollywood song. Speaking to the BBC, Krishan, 41, said: “When I was growing up I never imagined seeing Bollywood on ‘normal telly’, as I called it. Read more: All you need to know about Punam Krishan “Because my mum and dad watched Indian TV and Indian versions of programmes that we see here. And I think growing up, you can’t be what you can’t see.” It was an emotional performance, which scored an impressive 33, as Krishan spoke of how she was sure her grandfather in India, who passed away during the pandemic, would be proud. Elsewhere, Comedian Chris McCausland scored 30 with his Wayne’s World-inspired performance with professional partner Dianne Buswell as part of Movie Week. The 47-year-old and Buswell appeared dressed as the film’s main characters in tonight’s episode, with judge Craig Revel-Horwood describing their performance as “packed full of fantastic rhythm”. Revel-Horwood said: “Strong at kickball changes, they’re a little bit heavy for my liking, but it was full, packed full of fantastic rhythm.” Singer Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones performed the samba to Poor Unfortunate Souls from The Little Mermaid, scoring just 15, with Revel-Horwood describing the singer as “stuck in the mud”. He said: “It was all a bit stuck in the mud and flat-footed, but you know what, you brought a magnificent attitude and fantastic character to that dance.” Revel-Horwood was heckled by Willcox’s husband, King Crimson guitarist Robert Fripp, while making the comments on her performance – which saw the singer perform with an octopus projected on to the dancefloor. Willcox later revealed her husband was afraid of the sea creatures. DIY SOS star Nick Knowles and his dance partner Luba Mushtuk were due to perform the Charleston to Rain On The Roof from Paddington 2 before Knowles pulled out on Friday.