Strictly Come Dancing winner 'already sealed' as judges make prediction after Movie Week

It's only the third week of the show

During tonight's Movie Week on Strictly Come Dancing, the judges were not shy with their forecasts. The night saw EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick and professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas deliver a quickstep to Sir Elton John's 'I'm Still Standing' from the film Rocketman.

Jamie, 30 – known for his role as Jay Brown in the BBC One series – dazzled as he channelled Elton in a dazzling costume, complete with shimmering glasses.

Post-performance, judges lavished him with commendation. Anton Du Beke exclaimed: "You know, you really are a super super dancer. I think you could be one of the favourites to lift the trophy to be quite honest with you, I think you are an exceptional talent."

Motsi Mabuse agreed, adding: "Yes, Anton, I think the Glitterball is quite close to you! " With glowing endorsements hinting at Jamie’s strong chance of victory, host Tess Daly reacted: "Thank you judges. Two out of four mentioned the Glitterball... that's big news! ".

Jamie, humbled by the high praise, remarked: "It's a bit too early to be mentioning the Glitterball... none the less, I appreciate everything they say! " In terms of scores, Jamie racked up 30 points, with Craig Revel Horwood awarding eight, Motsi eight, Shirley Ballas seven, and Anton seven, reports the Mirror.

Shortly after the performance, X viewers rushed to Twitter to heap praise on Jamie's routine. Comments flooded in, with one viewer exclaiming: "Jamie really threw himself into that! Well done! #Strictly", another fan declared: "#Strictly Jamie was ACE in that", a different tweet read: "LOVED THAT JAMIE BORTHWICK #Strictly" while yet another audience member chimed in with: "Well I loved that! Well done Jamie! #Strictly."

The episode featured the professional dancers and their celebrity partners dazzling the audience with movie-themed performances, complete with elaborate costumes. The excitement began early as the show kicked off with professional dancers garbed as Minions from the Despicable Me series, starring Kai Widdrington dressed to impress as Gru and the other dancers in yellow bodysuits channeling the beloved henchmen.

However, not all news was cheerful. DIY SOS's Nick Knowles and his dance partner Luba Mushtuk were geared up to present a Charleston set to the tune of 'Rain On The Roof' from Paddington 2 before an unfortunate injury prompted Nick to withdraw on Friday.

According to Strictly rules, the duo has been granted a bye to the following week, with hopes high for Nick's recovery.

This turn of events follows on the heels of last weekend's departure when Olympian Tom Dean and his dance partner Nadiya Bychkova said their goodbyes as the first pair eliminated from the contest.