EAST Lancashire’s Strictly Come dancing hopeful Natalie Gumede gained the first nines of the new series to glide through to the next round.

The ex-Coronation Street actress danced the waltz with professional partner Artem Chigvintsev to Alicia Key's If I Ain't Got You.

Natalie, who wore a red ankle-length halter neck dress, said she was shocked to have received such good marks as she had been struggling with the turns and spins involved in the ballroom classic throughout her week of training.

But despite her fears, the former Colne Park High School pupil got a standing ovation from the crowd.

Craig Revel Horwood, who is known for his extremely high dancing standards and often harsh comments, praised the dancing hopeful for her posture and her use of her skirt.

Awarding her an eight, he said: “I have to say, a gorgeous, gorgeous top line. Breathtaking.”

Former prima ballerina Darcey Bussell, who gave a nine, said: “You had it. You had the quality and the feeling. You composed yourself brilliantly and you are going to be one to watch.”

Len Goodman said he loved the feel of the routine and choreographer Bruno Tonioli said Natalie had ‘incredible’ control and confidence.

He said: “You tell a story with each flicker of your wrists. Dance is a performing art and you tell a story.”

Tess Daly, who was presenting this week with Claudia Winkleman instead of Sir Bruce forsyth, who has flu, said she had goose pimples throughout the couple’s dance.

In total, Natalie and Vincent were awarded 34 points out of a possible 40, which left them in first position on the leaderboard after the scores from last week were also added.

She was pipped to Saturday evening’s top score by Sophie Ellis-Bexter and her dance partner Brendan Cole, who were awarded 36 points for their cheeky charleston.

This was the first time the audience at home had been able to vote for their favourites on the Strictly Come dancing website.

After the show Natalie thanked those who voted for her.

She Tweeted: “Wow, what a show.

“What wonderful people.

“@bbcstrictly is really something special, thank you for the support."

Golf legend Tony Jacklin became the first celebrity to exit Strictly last night after his Charleston routine was judged below par.