Strictly Come Dancing is all very much glitz and glam but this weekend the stakes are being raised as the first couple are set to be elimination from the competition on Sunday.
Last weekend, we saw what this year’s stars were made of and earlier favourites to win – and leave – the competition came to light. Fans were left in awe as Karen Carney, who’s secret dance past has been revealed, and Carlos Gu topped the leaderboard, while Lewis Cope and Katya Jones came in second place and Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin came in third following the judges’ scores on their first dances.
Meanwhile Lorraine star Ross King, who recently opened up about his record-breaking score, and Jowita Przystal took last place, just behind Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova and Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden.
This weekend, the celebrities and their partners will have another chance to strut their stuff in front of the judges – while viewers will also be able to vote for the favourite couples, although the show recently announced a huge change to their voting system.
While the stars and professionals limber up and get into hair and makeup, we’ll be bringing you all the action from on and off our TV screens. Stay tuned!
00:22Paige Ingram
Fans react after last night’s show
Taking to social media viewers shared their thoughts on last night’s show. Over on Instagram one Strictly fan wrote: “So proud of Jimmy and Lauren! Totally deserve it” While another wrote: “If it’s not Ross or Tommy in the dance off, I’ll be shocked.”
Viewers also compared the line-up this year to previous years, with one fan saying: “it’s so hard to call this year.” Another picked up on the mood between the judges, saying: “Is it just me or was there something off with the judges tonight. Craig seemed off and there was an atmosphere between them all, they all looked sad after each dance.”
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23:23Paige Ingram
The Strictly leaderboard
22:07Daniel Bird
Chris speaks out after wife’s comments
Chris Robshaw has spoken out after his wife mentioned an unfair advantage on Strictly, citing Amber Davies and Lewis Cope’s previous dance experience.
But Nadiya Bychkova, Chris’s professional partner, believes he has what it takes to overcome the disadvantages. “Chris is taking all the information on board. He just needs a few more weeks to kind of get to the point, and then I think he’ll be really ready to perform the way I think he can to his full abilities,” she says.
“It’s the experience of knowing how to do that, which is completely new and which you can’t get overnight, but I think this is what the show is about, for people who never danced before. We often don’t get to see it because like people who don’t have this experience would sometimes leave the show earlier, which is really sad because there is often so much talent in there, and it’s always so nice for the audience to see it.”
Speaking on his wife’s comment, Chris said: “I love my wife and she’s my biggest supporter. She wants us to do well in the competition, and that’s kind of it really.”
On what he thinks of the range of dancing abilities, Chris added: “It is what it is, isn’t it? In SAS you could say I was fitter than some of the other people, and then that’s kind of it.”
21:10Jordan Lloyd Beck
Who will get the casting vote in tomorrow’s dance-off?
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BBC)
It’s less than 24 hours until viewers find out which celebrity is the first one out of the competition, and at the end of the live show on Saturday, it was revealed who out of Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood, as part of a new ‘twist’ on the system. For seven years, head judge Shirley has had the power but all that has now changed.
The bottom two couples will face the dance-off and Tess said: “We can now reveal that the judge who will have the casting vote in that decision is Motsi!” Claudia then reminded viewers that pop star Zara Larsson will be performing, and there will be a routine from the professionals as well.
20:59KEY EVENT
Birthday girl Amber Davies tops the leader board with 56 points!
Musical theatre star Amber Davies, who was ushered in as a replacement for fellow Love Island winner Dani Dyer, topped the leaderboard with a score of 56. This week’s scores take into account last week’s points as well, and after scooping up 29 points from the judges for her Samba that was set to a Camila Cabello track, she was firmly in the lead.
It was extra-special for Amber, who will be starring as Elle Woods in next year’s UK tour of Legally Blonde: The Musical, as today she is celebrating her 29th birthday and earlier in the show had been presented with a cake.
Amber and Nikita have topped the leaderboard this week (
Image:
Guy Levy/BBC/PA)
Amber & Nikita – 56
Lewis & Katya – 55
George & Alexis – 54
Jimmy & Lauren – 52
Alex and Johannes – 52
Vicky & Kai – 47
Balvinder & Julian – 47
Harry & Karen – 45
La Voix & Aljaz – 43
Ellie & Vito – 40
Stefan & Dianne – 39
Chris & Nadiya – 30
Tom & Amy – 29
Ross & Jowita – 25
20:46Jordan Lloyd Beck
EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal closes out the show dancing to to Meghan Trainor hit
The EastEnders actress, whos stars as Suki Panesar on the BBC soap, was the first celeb to take on the Charleston this year, and she and her partner Julian Caillon scored a 30 for their routine that was set to the Meghan Trainor hit Been Like This.
20:44Jordan Lloyd Beck
George Clarke left ‘speechless’ after Motsi Mabuse’s feedback
George Clarke was left ‘speechless’ when Motsi Mabuse said: “I think we have someone very special here.” The YouTube star had just performed the Paso doble with his professional partner Alexis Warr. The couple then collected a combined score of 30. Craig and Motsi both issued them a 7 and they picked up an 8 from Shirley and Anton.
20:40KEY EVENT
Stefan Dennis falls and Dianne Buswell catches him
Neighbours legend Stefan told the judges he was “petrified” before taking to the stage for the Cha Cha Cha, and it appeared those nerves may have continued as he left the stage. As he climbed the steps there was panic as he misplaced his footing and tripped up the stairs.
A panicky Dianne caught him and exclaimed: “Golly gosh. Be careful, be careful.” Read more about the incident here.
Strictly chaos as Dianne Buswell panics as Stefan Dennis falls on stairs
20:21KEY EVENT
Ross King bursts into tears
Ross King burst into tears during his performance. Jowita Przystal, revealed they would be dancing the waltz to The Proclaimers’ tune Sunshine On Leith, Ross took her to Loch Lomond. There, the pair opened up on why the area was so special to Ross.
Ross described himself as a “very proud Scots person”. And he explained he moved away for work, but could envision himself returning one day. When Jowita asked why the loch has a special place in his heart, he said: “So many memories around here.” The video showed the luscious scenery as the pair took to the water.
He then got emotional as he said: “My school friends, sister, yeah, I think about my mum and dad when I’m here. It’s special. It’s happy. It’s a happy cry.” And the tears continued following his dance on the floor. The duo embraced as Ross wiped away the tears after completing their routine.
Judge already ‘predicts winner’
While Strictly might only just be getting started, Shirley Ballas has already predicted who could win.
Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison has already made a lasting impression with her professional co-star, Kai Widdrington, as they danced the foxtrot to Rein Me In by Sam Fender and Olivia Dean.
This week, the pair scored an impressive 24 points after receiving six across the board. Shirley said that Vicky could go “all the way” and told Kai to “push her and make her shift!”
Shirley believes one celebrity can go ‘all the way’ (
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BBC)
20:02Daniel Bird
Strictly legend Len Goodman remembered
Following Vicky Pattison’s sensational performance, judge Anton Du Beke honoured former head judge Len Goodman. Len had appeared on the show since it launched in 2004 and later stepped down in 2016. He died aged 78 on April 22, 2023.
But his close friend, Anton said Len “would love that heel turn” when talking to Geordie Shore star, Vicky.
20:01KEY EVENT
Amy’s heartfelt admission
Professional dancer Amy Dowden has been extremely open with fans about her cancer journey, having beaten the cruel disease.
During Saturday night’s live show, the professional star opened up about the biggest lesson she has learnt over the past few years. After dancing to Dizzee Rascal’s hit song, Bonkers, Amy opened up to host Tess Daly.
Amy said: “If I’ve learned anything in the last two years, life is too short, take risks.”
Amy opened up to host Tess Daly (
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BBC)
19:45Jordan Lloyd Beck
Harry scores 26
Craig – 6
Motsi – 7
Shirley – 6
Anton – 7
19:40Jordan Lloyd Beck
Thomas scores 13
Craig – 2
Motsi – 3
Shirley – 4
Anton – 4
19:39Jordan Lloyd Beck
Thomas Skinner takes to the floor in sparkling vest
This week, Apprentice star Thomas and his professional partner Amy Dowden did a Sasla set to Dizzee Rascal’s Bonkers. The audience cheered when he lifted Amy up but his sparkling vest caused a bit of a stir on social media.
Craig Revel Horwood remarked: “It looked like you were competing in a weightlifting competition in Skegness, darling. It was just powerless” and Shirley Ballas said: “Well, you gave it a go…”
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19:25Jordan Lloyd Beck
Ellie scores 23 for her waltz!
Craig – 5
Motsi Mabuse – 6
Shirley – 6
Anton – 6
19:23Jordan Lloyd Beck
Alex scores 31!
Craig – 7
Motsi – 8
Shirley – 8
Anton – 8
19:22Jordan Lloyd Beck
Alex and Johannes do the Samba to La Bamba
Doctor Who’s Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe looked stunning in pastel colours as they did the samba round the floor to a Connie Francis classic.
19:14Jordan Lloyd Beck
Lewis scores 27!
Craig – 7
Motsi – 7
Shirley – 6
Anton – 7
19:13Jordan Lloyd Beck
Shirley booed as she delivers harsh feedback to Emmerdale’s Lewis Cope
Fans of Strictly are familiar with Craig Revel Horwood being booed for his acerbic comments, but it’s a rare occurence for head judge Shirley Ballas. After Emmerdale star Lewis Cope and Katya Jones did their Viennese waltz to Teddy Swims’ Lose Control, she had some constructive criticism to dish out.
19:03Jordan Lloyd Beck
Jimmy score 19
Craig – 6
Motsi – 6
Shirley – 6
Anton – 7
19:00Jordan Lloyd Beck
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink reveals ‘frustrations’ ahead of performance
Footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley did the cha cha cha to I Heard It Through The Grapevine and just moments before it all kicked off, he said he was ‘really trying’ with it all. He said: “I do get frustrated with myself, my background is football and you have that winner mentality. You’re really hard on yourself when you need to give yourself a little bit more grace.
18:55Jordan Lloyd Beck
Karen scores 20
Craig – 4
Motsi – 5
Shirley – 5
Anton – 6
18:53Jordan Lloyd Beck
Karen and Carlos do the Tango to Dua Lipa track
Lioness Karen Carney and Carlos Gu topped the leaderboard last week and their scores will be carried over to this week. This time, they wowed in a Tango all set to Dua Lipa’s Training Season.
Afterwards, Motsi warned them that posture needed more consideration but praised them for their ‘speed and attack’ on the routine.
Anton predicted that the footballer will be a ‘powerhouse’ in the competition going forward, and she told them she was having the ‘best time’ with it all so far.
18:46Jordan Lloyd Beck
La Voix scores 19
Craig – 4
Motsi – 5
Shirley – 5
Anton – 5
18:36Jordan Lloyd Beck
La Voix and Aljaz Skorjanec open the show to Shakira classic
Drag queen La Voix Aljaz Skorjanec opned the show with a Jive set to Shakira’s hit single Objection (Tango), and their VT showed Ajlaz attending his co-star’s show earlier this week.
Shirley noted that the routine needed ‘more rotation’ and thinks that the Drag Race star could do ‘better’, whilst Anton assured them that it was entertaining overall.
Afterwards, La Voix told Tess: “We thought that was gonna be a tango!” and instanly made a joke about her red power suit, joking that the TV star “used to work at Butlins.”
18:12KEY EVENT
Who will be the first to go?
As is tradition, no one was eliminated in the inaugural week of the competition, although, as fans will know, technically, Dani Dyer was the first to go, as, following the pre-recorded launch show, she suffered an injury and had to leave.
She’s been replaced by Love Island winner and musical theatre star Amber Davies. Last week, Karen Carney topped the leaderboard with a respectable score of 31. At the other end was showbiz guru Ross King, who managed to score just 10.
17:18Daniel Bird
Claudia’s private life and unexpected royal relative
Claudia was an only child, but later gained two siblings when her parents got divorced and found love with new partners.
Her mother Eve’s second marriage gave her a younger half-brother called Oliver, and her dad’s second marriage got her a half-sister Sophie Winkleman.
Actress Sophie is known for her appearances on Peep Show and Two and a Half Men. Claudia also has a royal link as her sister Sophie tied the knot with Lord Frederick Windsor in 2009. Lord Frederick is the son of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. Prince Michael of Kent is the late Queen Elizabeth II’s first cousin, as they were both grandchildren of King George V.
Because of Sophie’s marriage, she is now known as Lady Frederick Windsor. The actress even attended the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor alongside Prince Harry in 2019. She even has a good relationship with King Charles.
16:03Daniel Bird
Strictly bosses done ‘great job’ with line-up
Former celebrity contestant Angela Scanlon believes that bosses have done a ‘great job’ with this year’s line-up.
Speaking to the Mirror, she said: “I think there’s always speculation around the line-up, every year,” she says. “People are either too famous or not famous enough or they’re from reality TV. People have things to say, but I think mostly you’ll find brilliant personalities and a really gorgeous cross-section of people from lots of different walks of life – different opinions, different life experiences, different age groups. It feels like a very varied bunch. I think they’ve done a great job.”
14:52Amy Denman
Amber Davies’ sweet surprise
The second week of live shows is a particularly special one for Love Island star Amber Davies, as she is also celebrating her birthday today!
In a sweet Instagram video, Amber revealed how her dance partner Nikita Kuzmin surprised her with a sweet gift to mark the special occasion. Watch below…
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Strictly: Amber Davies receives birthday gifts from Nikkita
14:49Amy Denman
Amy Dowden struck with illness
Ahead of the second live show, Amy Dowden revealed she had been struck down with an illness – but will still fance in tonight’s show.
Amy appeared on the spin-off show It Takes Two, where she revealed she had been under the weather, but her partner Thomas Skinner had been supporting her.
As she appeared quieter than usual on the show, host Janette Manrara said: “”Amy, I know you’re a little bit under the weather so excuse Amy today but he made you a beautiful drink to help you out?”
A hoarse Amy replied: “With turmeric, ginger, pepper,” while Janette added: “I won’t make you talk too much.”
However, hours before the live show Amy revealed she still plans to dance tonight. Amy shared a selfie showing her dressed in leopard print pyjamas as she beamed at the camera and crossed her fingers on her Instagram story.
Writing below the image, she said: “It’s show day! Wishing everyone lots of luck!
“One very excited Amy! Tom and I have worked so hard and can’t wait to bring you a party tonight with our salsa and risky lifts!
“Remember tonight the votes online open! One couple sadly leaves the competition!
“Right let’s go have another day doing what I love most! I’m forever grateful for!”
Amy Dowden issued a message to her Strictly Come Dancing co-stars (
Image:
Instagram)
14:45KEY EVENT
How to vote for your favourite Strictly Come Dancing pair
Earlier this week, the BBC show announced a major change to its voting system, which has divided fans.
After years of fans being able to vote by calling a premium-rate telephone number, this has now been scrapped. It has now been announced that Strictly Come Dancing fans will now have to vote online instead.
Viewers will need to register for an online BBC account to vote, which can be done via the BBC website.
