Two show firsts unfolded in quick succession on tonight's programme leaving the cast visibly emotional View 4 Images Shirley left the judging panel to give her feedback (Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing history was made not once but twice this evening (October 18), prompting tears from across the cast. ‌

Judge Shirley Ballas abandoned the judging panel as she battled back tears in an unprecedented moment on the show . She was visibly emotional watching actress Alex Kingston and professional partner Johannes Radebe perform their rumba to Fast Car by Tracy Chapman. ‌

In an extraordinary first for the BBC programme, Shirley departed the judging panel and walked onto the dance floor to join the celebrity and her dance partner. ‌

"I have to tell you," she declared, "I'm

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