Strictly Come Dancing fans think Aljaž was 'channelling' co-star's famous father from Rivals

Strictly Come Dancing star Dani Dyer may have had to do a double-take during Saturday's (10 October) live show after some fans thought that Aljaž Škorjanec was paying homage to her famous father.

The professional dancer donned a '70s-style wig and moustache as he and Welsh actor Melanie Walters performed a sprightly Charleston with a theme of Blind Date, the famous dating show hosted by the late Cilla Black.

The dance floor was completely transformed during the routine, which was - perhaps bafflingly - danced to a mash-up of Gina G's 'Ooh Aah... Just a Little' and Whigfield's 'Saturday Night'.

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Aljaž assumed the role of a contestant, with fellow pro Neil Jones getting roped in to play his love rival. But that wasn't the main talking point, as several viewers thought that the professional dancer looked like Danny's character from the hit Disney+ series Rivals.

"Aljaz with that tash and wig is giving me big Danny Dyer in Rivals vibes," giggled one user on X, while another echoed this sentiment as they wrote: "I'm a bit behind but why is Aljaz channeling Danny Dyer from Rivals?"

While some declared the theme "fun" and hailed Melanie – who is best known for playing omelette-loving Gwen West in BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey – as "loveable", not everyone could get on board with the routine.

"I like the partnership and they were done dirty with the pointless Blind Date theme," bemoaned one viewer, while another remarked: "Gina G is Europop not a Charleston and both those and Blind Date are different worlds!"

"I don't get why a Charleston to two 90s songs themed around Blind Date (which ran through to the 90s) was smothered to death in 70s costumes.," wrote one user, while another dubbed the song the "worst cover in Strictly history".

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The routine wasn't the only talking point of this week's show, with many viewers finding themselves "distracted" by Vito Coppola's decision to wear an open shirt as he and partner Lacey Turner performed a Samba.

In terms of the scoring, it was Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington who had the best night as they scored 33 for their Salsa, while Melanie and Aljaž were at the bottom after accruing 17 points.

Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.

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