BBC journalist Jeremy Vine has been a revelation on the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Better known for his direct interview style and hard-hitting reporting, he has strutted his way into viewers’ hearts by totally embracing the experience on the BBC ballroom dancing contest.

Jeremy Vine on Strictly
(Guy Levy/BBC)

While the judges’ scores have left him languishing near the bottom of the leader board, his unique moves and the way he throws himself into every routine with professional partner Karen Clifton have seen him saved by the public each week.

So let us take a moment to examine why we love the toe-tapping sensation that is Jeremy Vine, dancer…

1. His cowboy-themed Tango.

“I’m back because I want to dance with you!” Jeremy told partner Karen Clifton in the least convincing American accent ever. Leaping from horseback, he then threw himself into the Tango. Despite questionable footwork, no one could doubt his commitment to the dance.

2. His facial expressions.

Karen Clifton and Jeremy Vine
(Guy Levy/BBC)

With extreme levels of concentration, Jeremy’s fierce Tango-face slid quickly into comedy – and it’s not the first time we’ve loved his expressions. The facial gymnastics displayed by the BBC journalist throughout the show have been so good that we hardly notice the disasters going on at foot-level.

3. The “Splish Splash” routine that started in the bathtub.

Jeremy Vine
(Guy Levy/BBC)

Away from the election swingometer, is Jeremy due for an acting career? There was no shyness as he took us through his bath time routine before joining Karen on the dancefloor for a Jive which judge Craig Revel Horwood compared to watching a stork be struck by lightning.

4. This dance to Top Hat, White Tie And Tails.

Jeremy may not quite be Fred Astaire in terms of technique, but he did channel the famous dancer’s ability to entertain. The unusually entertaining Charleston is one of his best dances so far.

5. His Halloween Week Salsa to Thriller.

The dance suited Jeremy and his slightly odd, awkward moves – although it wasn’t very scary as he grinned all the way through.

6. He’s taking the show seriously…

The Jeremy Vine | Facebook

Jeremy has received some online abuse as well as love – but he decided to respond to trolls with a serious video message, outlining his approach to Strictly and why he won’t give up.

Addressing one critic, he said: “I promise that I am taking this seriously and not doing it for comedic purposes. I am well aware that during my dances there has been laughter, but it has not been something that I have sought. I have really wanted to dance well. I’m trying to get some technique.”

Referring to his daughters, he said: “The message I don’t want them to take away is that once our dad thought he couldn’t win, he just gave up… The fact that I’m not the best is not a reason to give up, and that’s true of so much in life, just because you can’t win doesn’t mean you stop working.”

7. …But he doesn’t take himself too seriously.

The contestant, originally the bookies’ favourite to go out first, knows that he’s not a natural dancer – and he’s happy to joke around about it, making fun of himself during the VTs. Everyone loves a good sport, and his enthusiasm is contagious.