BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Sarah Hadland move has fans 'choked up' as Vito Coppola admits 'emotional' detail

Sarah Hadland's move in the closing moment of her latest performance on Strictly Come Dancing left viewers 'choked up' while dance partner Vito Coppola has since shared more emotional details.

It was a big week in the world of the BBC One dance contest on Saturday night (October 5) as week three of this year's competition became the annual Movie Week special.

Miranda star Sarah and her dance partner Vito performed a Viennese waltz to Hedwig’s Theme from the Harry Potter series, described as a tribute to Dame Maggie Smith.

READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans fume as 'stunning' performance 'ruined' by one thing

It comes after Dame Maggie, who played Professor Minerva McGonagall in the film franchise from 2001 to 2011 died in hospital on Friday, September 27, at the age of 89.

In footage shared before their performance, Sarah expressed her "honour" of being able to play Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter-inspired dance. "I've always absolutely idolised Maggie Smith because she was arguably one of the best actors ever," she said. "She was my favourite professor," said reigning champion Vito as they agreed to dedicate the dance to the late actress.

Following their performance, the pair received a standing ovation from the studio audience as judge Anton Du Beke praised their "beautiful dance" while Craig Revel Horwood told the pair that he "loved" the dance.

Fellow judge Motsi Mabuse said: "I absolutely loved it. That for me was the highlight of the night. That was nostalgic, you captured the atmosphere. I see that you're so hard on yourself, you don't have to be. You are brilliant."

Sarah and Vito's tribute earned great praise among viewers of the show but it was it was Sarah's final move, in which she held a magic wand towards the sky - in a nod to the 'wands up' moment film where final respects were paid to Professor Albus Dumbledore.

@LorrenWildexx said: "This had me sobbing all the way through!! The sweetest tribute to such an incredible actress…and that moment at the end had me gone. Wands are flying high for you Maggie #Strictly." @ethanundrell commented: "The wand up at the end had me a little choked up! What a gorgeous routine!"

@EchoCaz posted: "Appreciated the wand up at the end there. A fitting tribute to a wonderful actress and national treasure #Strictly." @EmScotcher shared: "Oh, the wand up at the end. The perfect extra touch. #Strictly." @amyx1990 added: "Sarah and Vito. Omg. One of my favourite ever Movie week dances. What a beautiful tribute to Dame Maggie Smith. That dance. That music. The wand raising at the end! I cried #Strictly."

Meanwhile, Vito, who admitted to having Harry Potter movie marathons with his family when back home in Italy, shared on Instagram how emotionally challenging the creation of the routine was. He shared under Strictly's clip of his and Sarah's performance: "This is has been just magical.

"When I had to choreograph and I listened to this song I’ve got emotional every single time. It’s something special and I really hope that we have been able to have dedicated a beautiful tribute to Maggie Smith. We have danced with so much love."