ACTOR Gemma Atkinson stunned the Strictly audience as she performed an emotional and powerful American Smooth with partner Aljaz Škorjanec.

The Emmerdale impressed the judges with her performance last night, dancing to popular classic Downtown.

Aljaz whooped after the performance and said: "I'm so proud!"

And judge Shirley Ballas said the performance had a stunning effect on her.

She said: "Oh my goodness and beyond, you must be a really really great student you listen listen and listen some more.

"You must be a great lady to listen to the way the man is leading. Your arm styling, you made me quite emotional actually.

"You were off to the right, the correct side of the body, head to the right place and your energy was wonderful."

The pair were awarded a score of 38 and put them in second place on the leaderboard.