'Latin sex god' Matt Baker tears up the Strictly dancefloor... but Paul Daniels is simply 'tragic'

By LIZZIE SMITH

Unexpected star: 'Latin sex god' Matt Baker smiles after his winning performance of the cha cha cha on Strictly Come Dancing


Matt Baker's TV appearances typically involve him tucking a wriggling sheep under his muscly arm as he broadcasts from a muddy field.

So it's hard to believe that underneath the Countryfile presenter's down-to-earth, friendly persona, he has the moves of a 'Latin sex god', as a visibly thrilled Tess Daly put it.

The 32-year-old, best known for his years as a Blue Peter presenter, unexpectedly stole the show on the first night of Strictly Come Dancing.


Countryfile on Strictly: There was a nod to Matt's day job in the wellies and grass patch


But not everyone did as well, with veteran magician Paul Daniels labelled 'tragic' as he scored the lowest mark of the night - just 16 out of 40.

But for Baker, it was straight to the top of the leader board with 31 points.
Dancing the cha cha cha with partner Aliona Vilani, the father-of-two tore up the dance floor, his hips shaking and twisting as he mastered every step.


Failed to impress: Paul Daniels was labelled as 'tragic' for his efforts


Baker's background as a former gymnast obviously helped, leaving the judges understandably pleased.

'You sir are one to watch,' said Craig Revel-Horwood, the normally mean-mouthed judge.

Head judge Len Goodman was, for once, in agreement: 'Best cha cha of the night, so good.'

And former winner Alesha Dixon told him: ' I was so impressed, and pleasantly surprised.'

While Bruno Tolioni could barely contain his excitement: 'This year is going to be a classic. What I've seen tonight for first night is amazing, well done.'


Modest: But Baker admitted he did have some tricks up his sleeve


Asked by Tess if he had any more tricks hidden up his sleeves, a modest Baker told her: 'There's a few bits and pieces.'

Tess gasped: 'Latin sex god, tearing up the floor and now he's Matt Baker again.
'He just wanted to get through it, he says!'

Equalling Baker on the leaderboard was Not The Nine O'Clock News' Pamela Stephenson.
Her dance partner James Jordan had an uphill battle, flying to New York to rehearse with Pamela, 60.

His task was made all the more challenging by her Scottish comedian husband Billy Connolly, who sat unsmiling watching the rehearsals.



'Dreamy and romantic': Equaling Baker on the leaderboard was Not The Nine O'Clock News' Pamela Stephenson


According to Pamela Connolly has warned off Jordan, worried that his wife might fall for his charms.

But Pamela has no hesitation as she waltzed onto the dance floor, in a bright blue floor-length gown.


No hesitation: Alesha told her: 'Breath-taking Pamela, absolutely breath-taking. You have such a beautiful energy about you'


Alesha told her: 'Breath-taking Pamela, absolutely breath-taking. You have such a beautiful energy about you.'

Bruno agreed. 'Graceful, fluid, your arm placements for week one, I don't think I've ever seen them so good.'

And the one that matters, Craig, had only words of praise: 'Dreamy romantic, absolutely perfect.'


Keeping a close eye on things: Billy Connolly is supervising his wife's rehersals


Len added: 'You can't win Strictly Come Dancing in week one, what you can do is make a fantastic impression on absolutely everyone.'

As the first dancers of this year's series, Felicty Kendall and Vincent Simone had a daunting task.

But their cha cha cha was clean and perky, or at least three of the judges thought so.

Len told the Good Life star: 'I've gotta say there's more tension in this room than there was in my nan's knicker elastic.

'But you're come out here with confidence. Unfortunately we didn't see enough hips from you, it was just a little bit careful.'


I loved it! Felicity Kendall talks to Tess Daly after her opening dance


Sex kitten: Alesha enthused about Felicity's sunshine yellow dress


Alesha enthused about 64-year-old Felicity's sunshine yellow flowing dress.
'Felicity you look beautiful,' she told her. 'I thought you had just the right amount of sex kitten.'

Bruno was more considered. 'You did all the steps on time, yes you could push the hips a little bit more. I feel your just getting warmed up.'

But predictably one man was unimpressed.

'For me very flat,' said Craig.

But it wasn't all bad news. 'I did like the storytelling and actually the cleanliness of the routine I thought was spot on.'

Felicity admitted it was hard work. 'I couldn't watch the others first, but I loved it.'


Getting down: Scott Maslen from EastEnders performed a VERY raunchy waltz


Scott Maslen from EastEnders followed her onto the dance floor, with a very raunchy waltz.

'If that's a waltz, I'm dreading the rumba,' said a slightly shocked Len. 'Very well done.'

Alesha clarified: 'Len is right, traditionally the waltz is romantic. But I actually liked the sexed up version.

'It was hot, it was spicy. I think you've set a very good standard for next week.'
Bruno added: 'Strong, dramatic romantic, a frisson of sexuality running through it. God knows what you're going to do with the rumba.'


Not so natural on the dancefloor was DJ Goldie, who danced to Kesha's Tik Tok


Craig wasn't impressed by Scott's hands, saying he 'looked like a puppet.'
But he told him: 'You made the waltz dangerously romantic.'

Not so natural on the dancefloor was DJ Goldie, who danced to Kesha's Tik Tok.
Craig seemed slightly shocked by the performance.


'Arm placement was extremely dodgy throughout,' he told him. 'That ghastly 80s move has to go, two-year-olds do that darling.'

Len agreed. 'You're hardly a shrinking violet. You've got great rhythm, It was a little bit overladen with those ripply moves.

'But I would say the cha cha's about having fun and that's what you did.'
Patsy Kensit admitted she was scared about taking part in Strictly.

'It's been a bit of a crummy year for me,' she told the camera, referring to the failure of her short-lived fourth marriage.

'My confidence? I lost it totally. This has just been brilliant for me.'
But her waltz did not go without incident, after she stumbled at the start.

'No way, gosh, I'm so sorry Robin, it's my fault entirely,' she said.


Patsy Kensit admitted she was scared about taking part in Strictly


But her dance partner tried to calm her nerves.

'Patsy did amazing, she's been working so hard and she's given 110% and that's all i can ask from her,' he told her.

Len told her to work on her confidence, while Alesha had words of encouragement.
'I think you looked absolutely beautiful. The waltz is one of the hardest dances you can do on the first night.

'As Len said, just go away, keep your confidence and you'll be fine.'
Finishing up the show was magician Paul Daniels.

He proved he still had the ability to entertain, parodying his background by revealing his dance partner from an empty box.

But |Craig told him: 'The best part of that routine was the empty box, I'm afraid.'


That's magic: In a gimmicky start to his dance Paul did a magic trick...


... revealing his dance partner inside an apparently empty box


And Bruno joked about the choice of music - Could It Be Magic.

'You've got the wrong song, its hould be Could It Be Tragic,' he told him, to boos.
Len, however, did his best to end the show on a high note, telling him: 'It was as though you'd been sprinkled with fairy dust, It was light, it was dainty.'

And Alesha added: 'Well done for coming out and giving it a go. And you know what? Bring on next week.'


You're gonna like this... not a lot: Paul was comforted by his dancing partner


Viewers will get the chance to vote for their favourite celebrity after the final seven have made their debut on next week's show



source : dailymail