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O'Donnell to 'smooth' his way onto Strictly dance floor

Daniel O'Donnell and Kristina Rihanoff will perform an American Smooth on Strictly Come Dancing
Daniel O'Donnell and Kristina Rihanoff will perform an American Smooth on Strictly Come Dancing Daniel O'Donnell and Kristina Rihanoff will perform an American Smooth on Strictly Come Dancing

DONEGAL singer Daniel O'Donnell will be slowing down his moves on the Strictly dance floor this weekend as he dances the American Smooth.

The Kincasslagh star and partner Kristina Rihanoff will perform to the Frank Sinatra classic Fly Me to the Moon.

The dance is described as a traditional ballroom with a huge dollop of Hollywood glamour on top.

It may be a welcome return to a more slower dance pace for the singer, who over the past two weeks has had to perform much faster routines in the Charleston and Cha Cha dances.

After receiving upbeat reviews from the judges during the first two weeks, O'Donnell received more criticism during last week's Grease-themed routine.

Head judge Len Goodman described O'Donnell's performance as "a mix between Summer Nights and Last of the Summer Wine", but added: "I enjoyed watching you".

However, fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood said while it had "pizzazz and punch" it was also "a bit stompy".

O'Donnell was awarded 21 out of 40 for his efforts and was ranked 10th on the leader board.

However, it appears that O'Donnell's nerves are still getting the better of him.

Since the start of the dance competition last month, the Irish country music singer has admitted that each week he has been been extremely nervous.

On Wednesday, his wife Majella said she was surprised by the level of nerves he was suffering from given his background as a professional singer and performer.

She wrote on Twitter: "Can't believe how the nerves have affected Daniel on @bbcstrictly.

"A professional who is definitely out of his comfort zone."

Other songs to feature on this week's show will range from Louis Armstrong to S Club 7 with all remaining couples hoping to make it through to week five of the competition.

Olympic boxer Anthony Ogogo and his partner Oti Mabuse were the second couple to leave the competition after losing the dance-off to Ainsley Harriott and Natalie Lowe in last weekend's elimination.

Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One on Saturday at 6.30pm.