Strictly Come Dancing fans stunned as Emmerdale star spotted in the audience

Strictly Come Dancing enthusiasts were shocked to see Emmerdale legend Lisa Riley among the crowd on Saturday evening. The beloved Mandy Dingle portrayer was seen happily applauding, dressed in a cream jumper dress alongside her partner.

Fans rushed to social media to discuss the star's unexpected visit, with one user writing: "Lisa Riley is in the #Strictly audience."

"Yes, it is; I love her," responded another, while a third remarked: "Do you mean Lisa Riley (blue tick)."

Lisa had graced the Strictly dance floor herself in its tenth season, performing with the late Robin Windsor as her dance partner.

During tonight's episode, the judges and contestants outdid themselves with their Halloween-themed costumes, reports .

Kicking off the night, Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell delivered a dynamic Samba. While the panel gave them high scores for their routine, supporters expressed worry for Chris.

A common superstition among viewers suggests that stars opening the show often face elimination the following day.

The comedian also alluded to this so-called curse while conversing with Claudia Winkleman, noting: "We have lost four people so far this series.

"Two of them on Sambas, and we have had four dance-offs and three of them are people who have went on first, so the maths is against us this week."

The previous weekend saw exit the competition, having faced off against in a gripping dance-off.

During a heart-to-heart with Tess Daly, Paul expressed his enthusiasm for the show: "It's been really good. For anybody I talk to, I would say you've got to go on this show. It's amazing - everybody. There's a Tottenham fan over there called Lincoln, and he's nice!"

He continued with glowing praise: "It's been amazing, honestly, amazing. I loved every minute of it, I've had a great teacher. She's been amazing, absolutely amazing, and I couldn't wish for a better coach.

"I've loved every minute of it. I can dance now. I won because I can dance. I couldn't dance before, but I can half dance now. It's a bonus, absolute bonus."

Still, the competition heats up as another celebrity is on the verge of leaving on Sunday night, with Punam Krishnan pegged by bookies as the likely next exit.

Strictly Come Dancing returns on Sunday at 7.20pm on BBC One.