Strictly’s Fleur responds to ‘tough’ judges criticism as she declares she won’t lose power

Former X Factor star Fleur East, 35, has been coupled up with new Strictly Come Dancing pro Vito Coppola, with the pair wowing with their daring routines and scoring the only 40 in the competition so far

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Strictly: Vito says Fleur ‘saved him’

Strictly star Fleur East has joked that it would be a “miracle” if she won the show ahead of tonight’s final.

She also admitted that she’s found the Strictly judges’ criticism “tough” over the weeks and has insisted that she won’t lose her power – despite being criticised because of it.

The former X Factor star, 35, has been coupled up with new pro Vito Coppola, with the pair wowing with their daring routines and scoring the only 40 in the competition so far.

Yet the couple, who are up against Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystał, Helen Skelton and Gorka Marquez and Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu in the final, have also been in the dance-off four times.

When she has been critiqued by the judges, it’s often regarding her power and control.

Quizzed on what she thought about their comments, Fleur said: “I mean, I didn’t even know about this power until I came to Strictly – I’ve never heard this word so many times! I just think it’s something that gets me through life, I’ve faced so many challenges. My dad was the biggest challenge and Strictly was probably a close second to that and my power is what gets me through, it’s like my super power.

Fleur East has wowed with a number of daring routines (

Image:

PA) She’s landed in the bottom two four times (

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BBC/Guy Levy)

“I don’t know how I get through every day. People ask me, ‘How are you doing your radio show? How are you doing Strictly for three months and juggling all these things?’ And I guess it’s my inner strength. It’s my power and I never want to lose that.

“I remember Motsi saying, ‘Maybe it’s just something we’re not used to seeing, don’t lose your power’. I think all of the constructive criticism from the judges, to be honest with you, has been tough but it has made me who I am now and it has made me the dancer I am now and I wouldn’t have been able to do some of the dances we’ve done without their feedback.

Fleur has joked it would be a ‘miracle’ if she were to win (

Image:

PA)

“It’s been, I would say, tough love because without their guidance and without all of the advice they’ve given me, I wouldn’t be able to dance like I am now. So I’m grateful for the whole experience. I’m not going to lose the power, I’ll keep the power!”

Asked what it would feel like if she won, Fleur said: “It would be like a miracle! It’s been a turbulent journey. When we got to Blackpool it was like we had won.”

*Strictly airs tonight at 7.05pm on BBC One