ACTRESS Natalie Gumede wowed Strictly Come Dancing judges with a 'smooth' routine on Saturday.

But she faced stiff competition from model Abbey Clancy, who achieved the first perfect 40 score of the series.

Natalie and partner Artem Chigvintsev held their own, however, and their routine was described as 'stunning' by the judges after the pair danced an American Smooth to Jennifer Hudson's ballad I Am Telling You from Dreamgirls.

Natalie, who wore a glittering blue off-the-shoulder dress, revealed she had trained for the lifts by going on a trapeze.

Judge Bruno Tonioli described it as 'sublime' and Darcey Bussell said it was 'fluid and stunning'. With a total of 36 for Natalie and Artem, the couple claimed third on the leader board.

Casualty star Patrick Robinson also overtook Colne actress and former Coronation Street star Natalie with a Charleston performed with partner Anya Garnis.

Next week, former Park High pupil Natalie and the rest of the remaining couples will compete in a swingathon.