Strictly Come Dancing’s Kelvin Fletcher has revealed he nearly became a “blubbering wreck” after scoring his first 40 on the show.

The soap star’s quickstep in Saturday’s semi-final earned him a perfect score and a standing ovation from judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Bruno Tonioli.

Speaking on Strictly spin-off It Takes Two, Fletcher said he had been “so overwhelmed” he had stopped himself from speaking because he was worried he would cry his “eyes out”.

He said: “It’s just the ultimate really. You never know what to expect.

“The dance felt like it went alright. It was just such a buzz to work so hard all week, the relief just to get the dance done, and the crowd were so great behind us…

“Then to get that score – initially the 10 from Craig (Revel Horwood) and then the four 10s.

“I was so overwhelmed I was worried that if I did talk I would just be a blubbering wreck and I would cry my eyes out. But it meant so much to me. It was something I just didn’t expect.”

His professional partner Oti Mabuse admitted she had choreographed the routine, set to The Lady Is A Tramp by the cast of Glee, with getting a perfect score in mind.

Strictly Come Dancing 2019
Kelvin Fletcher and Oti Mabuse (Guy Levy/PA)

EastEnders actress Emma Barton, 42, and CBBC star Karim Zeroual, 26, will compete against Fletcher during this Saturday’s glittering finale.

The three remaining couples will each perform three times – a judges’ pick dance, their own favourite routine from the series and a new showdance.

Fletcher said: “It sunk in when we got to Monday and I had three dances to learn.

“It’s just been the most amazing experience. The semi-final last weekend was just incredible. It was such a great atmosphere.

“And then to make it to the final, honestly, it just feels as crazy as it sounds because, really, I should never have been here.”

Fletcher was a late addition to the BBC programme after being called in to replace Jamie Laing, who was injured.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One.