Sarah Hadland's move in the closing moment of her latest performance on Strictly Come Dancing left viewers 'choked up' while dance partner Vito Coppola has since shared more emotional details. It was a big week in the world of the BBC One dance contest on Saturday night (October 5) as week three of this year's competition became the annual Movie Week special. Miranda star Sarah and her dance partner Vito performed a Viennese waltz to Hedwig’s Theme from the Harry Potter series, described as a tribute to Dame Maggie Smith.
READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans fume as 'stunning' performance 'ruined' by one thing It comes after Dame Maggie, who played Professor Minerva McGonagall in the film franchise from 2001 to 2011 died in hospital on Friday, September 27, at the age of 89. In footage shared before their performance, Sarah expressed her "honour" of being able to play Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter-inspired dance. "I've always absolutely idolised Maggie Smith because she was arguably one of the best actors ever," she said.
"She was my favourite professor," said reigning champion Vito as they agreed to dedicate the dance to the late actress. Following their performance, the pair received a standing ovation from the studio audience as judge Anton Du Beke praised their "beautiful dance" while Craig Revel Horwood told the pair that he "loved" the dance. Fellow judge Motsi Mabuse said: "I absolutely loved it.
That for me was the highlight of the night. That was no.