GEMMA Atkinson wowed Strictly judges this weekend with her Bear Necessities Charleston.

The former Emmerdale and Hollyoaks star heaped praise from judge Darcey Bussell who told Gemma: “You are one fit lady and I have to say it shows!

“You had three lifts there and the timing was perfect, the height was good, your starfish upside down, the little hop at the end. I love it!”

Gemma and dancing partner Aljaz Skorjanec finished in fourth place with 31 points and were the first couple to be announced as safe making it into the next week.

Shirley Ballas told Gemma: “I didn’t know you were going to bring that much energy to it – you surprised me, you did your thing today girl. You were spot on, you matched. It was great, I loved it.”

During training for the film week, Gemma said she just wanted to have fun with her performance and the enthusiasm seemed to pay off.

Dressed in full Jungle Book costume, the pair were commended for how endearing they both looked.

Bruno Tonioli said: “Look at them! The bear and the pussy cat! Who is the cuddliest? Can I take them both home?!

“You really worked very, very well and I loved it.”

Gemma and Aljaz will dance again on next week’s Strictly Come Dancing at 6.45pm on Saturday on BBC One.