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Strictly Come Dancing contestant HRVY jives to the top after first live show performance labelled 'best first dance ever'

Strictly Come Dancing contestant HRVY won plenty of plaudits on his first live show outing after one judge labelled his performance the "best first week dance ever".

The singer and Youtube star, real name Harvey Cantwell, from Hartley, near Dartford , appeared as part of the the hit BBC show last night.

It was a case of saving the best until last as the 21-year-old – who used to go to Dartford's Leigh Academy – took to the stage with dance partner Janette Manrara.

Their jousting jive set to the tune of Faith by Stevie Wonder feat Ariana Grande, was met with unanimous approval by the judges.

Even judge Craig Revel Horwood – often cast as the show's pantomime villain – praised his performance after an initial jibe at the lack of vowels in the singer's name.

He said "H...R...V...Y...darling, where are all the vowels?" before branding his dance "spectacular".

But it was fellow judge Motsi Mabuse who gave the pair their biggest compliment of the night after she stood up mid-routine to give them a standing ovation.

HRVY, Harvey Cantwell, from Hartley, is appearing in the 18th series of Strictly Come Dancing. Picture: BBC Pictures
HRVY, Harvey Cantwell, from Hartley, is appearing in the 18th series of Strictly Come Dancing. Picture: BBC Pictures

Motsi said: "I'm going to be honest here. For me, this was the best first dance I have ever seen. Never, ever, ever, ever!"

Craig and head judge Shirley Ballas each awarded HRVY 8 points, while Motsi gave him the first 9 point score of the series as the pair topped the leaderboard, just ahead of EastEnders' actress Maisie Smith.

Viewers of the socially distanced spectacle were also quick to heap praise upon the young pop star across social media.

Professional English ballroom dancer James Jordan tweeted: "What a way to end the show! Smashed it.... that was a really cool jive. Janette’s choreography this week was excellent."

HRVY's place at the live shows was threatened earlier this month after he contracted coronavirus and had to self-isolate but he has since recovered and has been cleared to participate .

Earlier this week, his dance partner Janette gave a sneak peek into their rehearsals in her YouTube diary “Talks With Janette”.

The 36-year-old said: "We've been dancing for a whole week already. He is amazing ­– I'm absolutely in love with him already, we have the most fun in rehearsals."

Strictly Come Dancing continues next Saturday on BBC One.

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