Victoria Pendleton near tears as she misses Cha Cha steps in first Strictly performance
VICTORIA Pendleton fought to hold back the tears tonight as she had her first Strictly Come Dancing performance.
The Olympic cyclist performed the Cha Cha Cha with dance partner Brendan Cole and made a positive start.
But the nerves got to star and as a few steps went amiss it became a fight to hold it together.
Victoria, who has admitted that she is often her own worst critic, said: "I'm so sorry Brendan," as she apologised for the missed steps and dabbed her eyes as she listened to the judges comments.
Dressed in a hot pink jumpsuit, she stole the spotlight in the glamour stakes.
Judges Len Goodman said: "It was a positive start. Put this behind you because you've got a lot of potential."
I'm so sorry
Meanwhile Bond actor Colin Salmon and actress Denise Van Outen stole the show with their Cha CHa and Waltz respectively.
The judges gushed at their performances, Len said of Colin that it was the 'best cha cha of the night' and Craig Revel Horwood said Denise's dance 'saved the best for last'.
Reaction on social network Twitter to new judge Darcey Bussell was mixed.
One fan wrote: "Darcey is so beautiful, so glad she is on the show."
While another said: "Can Darcey Bussell please stop saying Yah! Its Soooo annnoying."
Strictly is set to continue on tomorrow at 6.30pm BBC1 where Olympian Louis Smith will take to the Strictly stage.