Strictly Come Dancing’s Danny Mac reveals how his Argentine Tango was a welcome distraction from family heartache

DANNY Mac used his Argentine Tango as an escape from his secret family heartache on last Saturday's show.

The former Hollyoaks actor topped the leader board with a feisty and impressive routine with partner Oti Mabuse.

But after receiving 38 points, Danny revealed he had had a tough week before paying tribute to his dad.

On Wednesday's Strictly It Takes Two, the 28-year-old opened up even more about what had been going on during the run up to Saturday's show.

Asked by host Zoe Ball how he managed to maintain such intensity throughout the routine, Danny replied: "I threw a lot of focus into that routine, the most we’ve ever had I think.

"It was the most I felt focused and concentrated on the dance because… as people may have seen I had a bit of a tough week that week, personally, so the dance was my escape from that.

"So I threw everything into it. Oti was amazing all week with me.

"We just got on with the work and the dance for me was really helpful and so I was just so focused and in it, it felt like that’s all I was  thinking about because that’s all I could let myself think about."

Offering a reassuring smile, Zoe added: "You dedicated the song to your dad, send him lots of love and to your family as well."

After their routine on Saturday night, Danny and Oti were filmed backstage for a clip on Strictly's Instagram account.

The couple shared a long hug before Danny explained a bit more about what happened.

He said: "I just didn’t want to go there with that stuff but I just felt that otherwise if I looked miserable when I was getting those scores everybody would be like what’s wrong with him?

"What more does he want? But you’ve [Oti] been amazing this week."

The 28-year-old then took to Twitter to discuss the evening, and once again referred to the struggles he had had in his personal life this week.

He wrote: "An amazing AMAZING night.

"I've had a tough week personally but I really appreciate all your support. It means the world to me. x"