Strictly’s Pasha Kovalev has challenged Craig Revel Horwood to a dance off

Pasha Kovalev has challenged Craig Revel Horwood to a salsa dance off on Strictly Come Dancing.

It follows Craig’s comments about Pasha’s routine with celeb partner Ashley Roberts to (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life from Dirty Dancing on Saturday night.

The pair scored their best marks of the series so far – and nailed the iconic lift.

However the judges weren’t without their criticism, with Craig Revel Horwood picking out some particular problems.

Craig said Ashley’s legs were ‘too straight’ and she needed ‘more hip action’.

Appearing on It Takes Two, Pasha challenged Craig to a dance off over the comments.

“I guess it’s a dance off, Craig,” he told host Zoe Ball. “We’re going to do a salsa dance off. Oh yes.”

“That needs to happen in Blackpool!” Zoe reacted.

While Craig had his critiques, Bruno Tonioli praised the routine for its references to the original movie routine.

Pasha said: “I love all the choreography from all the movies but you never want to do the same thing. You want to do a little nod but make something new and interesting. I hope I did it justice.”

Ashley herself reflected: “We’re happy that we did [the lift]. We were just so happy we did it. The energy in the room was ‘Yeahhh!’ I actually got emotional afterwards because I wanted to land it so bad. I was so stressed beforehand.”

“We’re flying high,” added Pasha, “She did absolutely fantastic. It felt great when we were dancing and then of course when you watch it back, you did so, so well. I know how much it meant to Ashley and me as well. You don’t want to screw this kind of lift!”

This Saturday night, Ashley and Pasha are dancing the Tango to ‘Look What You Made Me Do’ by Taylor Swift.

Click here for all this week’s Strictly Come Dancing music and routines.

Strictly Come Dancing is back on Saturday night at 6:45PM on BBC One. The results show airs Sunday at 7:45PM.

It Takes Two airs week nights at 6:30PM Monday-Thursday and 6PM on Fridays.