Strictly Come Dancing fans in meltdown as Shirley Ballas makes bombshell final prediction

Strictly Come Dancing viewers swarmed to social media after Shirley Ballas made a bold prediction about the upcoming finals. The star-studded BBC competition returned to our screens with Icons Week, which saw the judges make a hilarious appearance dressed up as various notable figures, including the head judge, who sat at the panel as Elvis Presley.

She delivered an unexpected theory after Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe performed the Foxtrot to Dolly Parton's 70s hit, Here You Come Again. As they approached the judges' panel for feedback, Shirley admitted she was impressed and stated: "I think you might even reach the final, personally." Viewers were also in agreement as one took to X/Twitter and penned: "I absolutely adore Alex and Johannes. Their partnership is wonderful, and I really do believe they can make the final. I loved their foxtrot, it was beautiful."

A second agreed: "Alex Kingston might actually win this whole show. I'm kind of obsessed with her."

"Alex Kingston to the finals, please. She's Queening this every week," said another.

As one viewer shared: "I love Alex and Jojo...hope they make the final," a fourth echoed Shirley's sentiments and added, "Correct, Alex will reach the final."

"Lovely Foxtrot from Alex and @jojo_radebe..slight gaping, but I so hope they get to the Final! #8 #Strictly," said another.

After Motsi, Craig, and Anton shared their expert critiques, Shirley instantly praised the actress: "For me, you've got the best lady frame ... regardless, you look as light as a feather.

"I think the connection is getting better ... I would like to see now as you're moving up because I actually really think you're promised, I think you might even reach the final, personally."

Shirley continued: "But I think if you could really get your footwork nailed a little bit more, so for me, it's easier on the eye."

As they joined Claudia for their scores, the dancing duo were thrilled to receive a score of 32 out of 40.

This comes a week after Alex broke a Strictly record after her incredible performance of the rumba to Tracy Chapman's Fast Car.

Following their performance, the head judge left the panel and shared: "I have to come down here. I have to tell you. In all... I'm going to get emotional.

"In all my time on Strictly, I have never seen a pair of legs work like that. Every close in place, every forward walk turning, just an absolute perfect routine for me. Your choreography was stunning. The temperature between the two of you was portrayed beautifully. May I give the queen a kiss? That was fantastic."

To which Tess announced: "That's never happened before in Strictly history."