Strictly judge Shirley Ballas sends heartwarming special message to ballroom star with Down’s Syndrome Nathan and his dance partner Jo after their competition routine goes viral

Strictly Come Dancing’s Shirley Ballas sent a special message to two ballroom stars on BBC Breakfast on Saturday.

The head judge, 63, surprised Nathan, a 25-year-old dancer with Down syndrome, and his dance partner Joanne, 29, during the morning show with a sweet video.

The two ballroom dancers have gone viral after footage of them performing a jive during a competition in Blackpool was shared widely on social media.

Shirley sent in a video praising the couple for their routine and giving them high marks for their routine.

She said: ‘Hi Nathan and Jo, Shirley Ballas here, head judge on Strictly Come Dancing.

The head judge, 63, surprised Nathan, a 25-year-old dancer with Down syndrome, and his dance partner Joanne, 29, during the morning show with a sweet video

The two ballroom dancers have gone viral after footage of them performing a jive during a competition in Blackpool was shared widely on social media

“Well done both for your jive at the Champions of Tomorrow competition, held in the Winter Gardens.

“I saw your viral video and I think you’re both amazing! Absolutely fantastic. I saw great technique, beautiful energy, but above all a radiant smile on both your faces.

‘I would definitely have given you both a 10! Be careful and always keep dancing! Love you!’

A delighted Nathan happily hugged Jo after the surprise as she gushed: ‘Well done! A 10 from Shirley, that’s quite an epic achievement!’

It’s not the first time Nathan and Jo have gone viral online, after the pair won millions of fans following their appearance on Britain’s Got Talent last year.

Alesha Dixon surprised him by visiting his dance studio and asking if he wanted to audition for the show.

The duo agreed and performed an incredible Cha-cha-cha to Shakira’s Try Everything, receiving four huge yeses.

Fans of the show were as happy with his cheeky personality as they were with his audition as his moment unfolded on screen.

Shirley sent in a video praising the couple for their routine and giving them high marks for their routine

A delighted Nathan happily hugged Jo after the surprise as she gushed: ‘Well done! A 10 from Shirley, that’s quite an epic achievement!’

Alesha gushed: ‘Nathan, thank you for being such a superstar today and bringing us joy. You really moved me.’

The pair reached the semi-finals and narrowly missed out on a place in the final to singer Olivia Lynes and eventual winner Viggo Venn.

Simon Cowell praised Nathan, saying: “Do you know the expression you were born to say? That’s you. That’s where you belong, on stage.

‘Your interaction with the audience, everyone had a good time. You had a great time, we had a great time, and your partner had a great time.

‘And not an ounce of nerves. Brilliant, brilliant and more brilliant, that’s how you define joy.’

Dance teacher Joanne has shed light on their collaboration, revealing: ‘Nathan and I met around 2019 at the dance school where I teach.

It’s not the first time Nathan and Jo have gone viral online, after the pair won millions of fans following their appearance on Britain’s Got Talent last year (pictured on the show)

“Nathan got involved in a charity event a few years ago and we do something called ProAm, so we compete as a teacher and student across the UK.

“You always hope and have wonderful dreams and I know how sweet Nathan is and how infectious his personality is and great to work with and dance with.

“But to get the chance to show it to the nation and see all the wonderful comments about what people think about what we’re running into and how much you enjoy it, it’s just a dream come true.”

She added: “I think I have a second family, we’re kind of twinning aren’t we, Nathan’s parents are so supportive of his dancing.”

The duo performed an incredible Cha-cha-cha to Shakira’s Try Everything, and fans were as happy with Nathan’s sassy personality as they were with their audition.