Strictly Come Dancing has reached week nine of the BBC show, which came live from the prestigious Tower Ballroom in Blackpool.
Only six couples took part as Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK star La Voix was forced to drop out because of an injury.
At the start of Saturday night’s episode, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced that La Voix is sadly out of the competition for good - which means there won’t be a dance-off and everyone is through to the next round.
Elsewhere, the show was rocked by a further scandal this week, when a star linked to the show was reportedly arrested on suspicion of rape. It is understood that the incident is not related to the current series
A man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was taken into custody over an alleged incident said to have occurred after a BBC event in 2024. The alleged victim was not a contestant or professional dancer, The Sun reported.
A BBC spokesperson said: “It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation.”
Follow along below for all the latest updates from tonight’s show...
Key Points
- Strictly Come Dancing star arrested on suspicion of rape
- Strictly Come Misery – the dance show doesn’t need new presenters, it needs to end
- Dance-off cancelled as La Voix pulls out of series
- Lewis Cope lands perfect score
- Karen Carney receives her highest score yet for fiery paso doble
What time is Strictly Come Dancing on tonight?
12:48 , Greg EvansStrictly’s Blackpool Week special airs live tonight from 6:45 pm on BBC One and is due to end at 8:05.
This week’s contestants are:
Alex & Johannes
Amber & Nikita
Balvinder & Julian
George & Alexis
Karen & Carlos
Lewis & Katya
Sunday’s results show will air on BBC One at 7:15 pm.
Strictly Come Dancing star arrested on suspicion of rape
13:00 , Greg EvansA Strictly Come Dancing star has reportedly been arrested on suspicion of rape.
A man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was taken into custody over an alleged incident said to have occurred after a BBC event in 2024.
The alleged victim was not a contestant or professional dancer, The Sun reported.
A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Police, who confirmed the arrest, said: “A man was released on police bail under investigation having been arrested in London on Monday 13 October on suspicion of rape.
“The allegations relate to an incident which happened in Hertfordshire during 2024.
“Meanwhile, inquiries by officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Public Protection team will continue.
“Given the nature of the allegations, it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this time.”
A BBC spokesperson said: “It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation.”
Strictly star La Voix pulls out of Blackpool episode after injury
13:15 , Greg EvansStrictly Come Dancing contestant La Voix will miss this weekend’s Blackpool episode due to an injury.
The “devastated” Drag Race UK star announced the news “with immense sadness” on Tuesday (18 November), stating: “I’ve been advised that I’m unable to perform, and my heart truly breaks knowing I won’t be dancing in such an iconic venue.”
La Voix, 45, said she was focusing on her recovery after being advised to rest by doctors.
A Strictly spokesperson confirmed that La Voix would automatically make it through to the next round of the BBC competition.
Read more here.
Strictly Come Misery – the dance show doesn’t need new presenters, it needs to end
13:30 , Greg EvansAs the BBC show faces yet another scandal, the ‘Strictly’ gig is either the most exciting vacancy in broadcasting right now or a poisoned chalice. But perhaps the real debate we should be having is whether it’s time to dim the lights for good. Katie Rosseinsky reports.
Strictly Come Misery – the dance show doesn’t need new presenters, it needs to end
Tonight's dances and songs
13:42 , Greg EvansHere are the six confirmed dances for tonight’s show and what songs they will be performing to:
Alex & Johannes - Couples Choice to "History Repeating + Look At Me" by Propellerheads feat. Shirley Bassey + Geri Halliwell
Amber & Nikita - Quickstep to “Reach” by S Club 7
Balvinder & Julian - Argentine Tango to "The Logical Song" by Supertramp
George & Alexis - Salsa to "Rock This Party (Everybody Dance Now)" by Bob Sinclar
Karen & Carlos - Paso Doble to "O Fortuna" by Carmina Burana
Lewis & Katya - Charleston to "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor" by Arctic Monkeys
Vicky Pattison says nerves got the best of her after elimination
13:45 , Greg EvansVicky Pattison was the seventh celebrity to leave the BBC dancing show last week.
Pattison admitted she let her “nerves get in the way” this week, agreeing with a comment made by judge Shirley Ballas.
She received a score of 27 for her jive during Saturday night’s live show, despite topping the leaderboard and receiving a near-perfect score of 39 last week for her tango to Taylor Swift’s “Fate of Ophelia”.
Reflecting on her Strictly experience, Pattison said it had been the “nicest time” and was “lovely while it lasted”.
“Listen, I didn’t think I’d get past week one,” she said. “And I’m really honoured to have shared this experience with so many amazing people.”
She went on to praise Widdrington, saying: “I don’t want to sound too cheesy, but you’ve been the best partner a girl can ask for. I’m so sorry I didn’t get you to Blackpool, but I feel like I’ve won just by having you as my partner, and I’m so grateful.”
Read more here.
Karen Carney doesn't want Strictly to end
13:51 , Greg EvansFormer England footballer Karen Carney has declared that she doesn’t want her experience on Strictly to end.
Speaking to The Athletic, she said: “My aim was that I didn’t want to go out in week one. I never thought I’d get to Blackpool, so I’m really grateful to Carlos (Gu, her dance partner in the show) for really pushing me and getting me to this point.”
Commenting on some of the criticism she has received from the judges, she admits she’s “got to take it on the chin, good or bad”.
“I’m not the finished article, I’m not a professional dancer, so whatever they’re saying is probably right, and they want me to get better, that’s their job. And I want to improve. So, of course, I’m going to listen,” she added.
Wynne Evans says Katya Jones Strictly scandal was ‘creepy’ and ‘totally stupid’
14:00 , Greg EvansSinger Wynne Evans, known for his role in the Go Compare insurance adverts and his appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, has candidly admitted that his on-screen "hijinks" during the BBC show looked "creepy," revealing the subsequent mental health struggles that led him to attempt to take his own life.
Speaking on ITV’s Good Morning Britain on Wednesday, the 53-year-old addressed incidents from last year’s series where professional dancer Katya Jones was seen moving his hand from her waist and refusing a high-five.
"It does look creepy and I apologise for that," Evans stated.
He explained the moments were part of a "body language experiment" orchestrated with Jones. "Katya said to me, ‘look let’s get down the front, you put your hand on my waist, I’ll move it back, we’ll see if anyone notices’," he recounted.
Wynne Evans says Katya Jones Strictly scandal was ‘creepy’ and ‘totally stupid’
How Strictly star used devastating health diagnosis as a ‘superpower’ to help others
14:30 , Luke ReeveyGogglebox star confirmed as contestant on Strictly Christmas Special
15:00 , Greg EvansGogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt has been confirmed as the first celebrity contestant for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.
Moffat made the announcement on BBC show Strictly: It Takes Two on Friday. She will be paired with Strictly Come Dancing Professional Dancer Vito Coppola.
Gogglebox star confirmed as contestant on Strictly Christmas Special
BBC boss shares update on search for new hosts
15:30 , Greg EvansBBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips confirmed that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's decision to leave Strictly Come Dancing was their own.
Phillips stated that the search for new hosts will not commence until the New Year, as the production team is currently focused on the ongoing series.
She revealed her inbox has been "inundated" with interest from potential candidates for what she described as "one of the best gigs in television".
Phillips told The Rest is Entertainment podcast: "In terms of the process, the production team, BBC Studios and Sarah James [Executive Producer], her team and all these great people who make it, they are now concentrating on getting two shows out a week.
"So we haven't got time at the moment to start doing any screen tests or chemistry testing. I don't think we'll really be looking at it until the New Year because we want to make sure we deliver a great Strictly series. Having said that, yes - my inbox has been inundated."
"I can't say names obviously but it is one of the best gigs in television," she said. "We have had so many people who are keen to be considered, which is great and we'll think carefully about next steps on it."
Strictly star gives update on ‘painful’ injury after dropping out of live show
16:00 , Greg EvansStrictly Come Dancing to launch new 10-second challenge that could ‘change everything’
16:30 , Greg EvansStrictly Come Dancing is set to introduce a brand new, high-pressure challenge, the "Instant Dance," which will see contestants attempting to choreograph a routine in just 10 seconds.
The innovative segment will debut on the popular BBC dancing competition during its live show on Saturday, 29 November.
Participants will be required to randomly select a dance style from those they have already learned. Following this, their accompanying music will be played, granting them a mere 10 seconds to formulate their performance strategy.
Strictly to launch new challenge that could ‘change everything’
Strictly Come Dancing’s most emotional episode yet proved Blackpool means even more than the final
17:00 , Greg EvansThe tears kept on coming during last Saturday’s live show - proving there’s one ‘Strictly’ milestone every couple wants to make, writes Rachel McGrath
Strictly’s most emotional episode yet proved Blackpool means even more than the final
Strictly star George Clarke shares mum’s reaction to dance in her honour
17:30 , Holly BishopTonight's confirmed dances and songs
18:00 , Greg EvansHere are the six confirmed dances for tonight’s show and what songs they will be performing to:
Alex & Johannes - Couples Choice to "History Repeating + Look At Me" by Propellerheads feat. Shirley Bassey + Geri Halliwell
Amber & Nikita - Quickstep to “Reach” by S Club 7
Balvinder & Julian - Argentine Tango to "The Logical Song" by Supertramp
George & Alexis - Salsa to "Rock This Party (Everybody Dance Now)" by Bob Sinclar
Karen & Carlos - Paso Doble to "O Fortuna" by Carmina Burana
Lewis & Katya - Charleston to "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor" by Arctic Monkeys
Here we go!
18:45 , Rachel McGrathIt's the week we've all been waiting for. At last, the celebs are performing in the Blackpool Tower ballroom.
There should be seven couples taking to the floor tonight, but as La Voix is injured, there'll only be six. She had been desperate to make it this far, so I can't imagine how gutted she feels.
Given that the series has already lost one celeb due to injury, I think it would have been a wise (and nice!) move to bring Vicky Pattison back after she lost the dance-off last weekend. But hey ho!
Setting the (wonderfully camp) tone for tonight, Steps are opening the show with a medley of some of their best-known hits. I am very here for it.
La Voix forced to withdraw from competition
18:55 , Rachel McGrathOh no! Tess and Claudia have announced that La Voix isn’t just out of tonight’s episode but the rest of the series. What a huge shame.
They’ll be interviewing her on the results show, which is set to air tomorrow night.
Here’s that announcement for you...
Nobody will be eliminated this weekend
18:57 , Rachel McGrathWe’re only minutes in and there’s been another huge announcement!
With La Voix out of the competition, there will be no dance-off tonight meaning everyone will be back next Saturday. Which, I’m pretty sure, is a Strictly first?
Lewis and Katya open the show
19:00 , Rachel McGrathFirst up it's Lewis and Katya with a Charleston to "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor", which is many of my favourite things all together at last.
I've been looking forward to this since the dance was revealed in last Sunday's results show. If we're going to get a 40 tonight, surely it'll be thanks to this?
Lewis lands first perfect score
19:06 , Rachel McGrathHere are the judges’ comments for Lewis…
Motsi: “What a start! What a beginning! The energy was insane, everything was in place, the movement. The energy you both gave, amazing, the synchronisation. You smashed it, the roof is off!”
Shirley: “This is definitely a Blackpool extravaganza for sure. You’re a fantastic dancer but to get this synchronicity takes hours and hours of work. It was absolutely extraordinary.”
Anton: “Wow, wow, wow. Unbelievable. There’s nothing to say. I haven’t written anything down. I am speechless but you are breathtaking.”
Craig: “One word: Fabulous.”
Lewis’s scores are... 10, 10, 10, 10 - it’s a Blackpool 40!
Balvinder delivers an Argentine Tango
19:11 , Rachel McGrathFresh from surviving yet another dance-off, Balvinder is performing an Argentine Tango to "The Logical Song" by Supertramp.
She's bounced back so well in other weeks of the competition so hopefully she's feeling ok going into tonight.
The Blackpool magic will surely be giving her a boost too - as will the fact there’s no dance-off!
'Comeback queen' Balvinder praised by judges
19:17 , Rachel McGrathHere are the judges’ comments for Balvinder...
Anton: “I thought you were right on form in that. I loved your intensity, your characterisation. I loved the way you danced with Jules but you were sort of detached from him. That’s real characterisation and then you had the other dancers with you and you held your own. I think this is one of your best dances.”
Craig: “I would have liked to have seen smoother weight changes and transitions. I think this style actually suits you really well.”
Motsi: “In my book, it says ‘you are our comeback queen’. You come back stronger every time. This was so good. You were so clear with your intentions, so defined. I loved that. You kept your cool.”
Shirley: “You come back stronger, you wanted to dance this dance and I could feel it. I was impressed with the interactiveness with the other dancers. Moving forward, tiny little thing: polis in the extremes, magic in the finish. Moody, atmospheric, that was fabulous.”
Balvinder’s scores are... 8, 8, 8 and 9 - a total of 33.
Amber quicksteps into Blackpool Week
19:23 , Rachel McGrathAmber and Nikita are up now with a Quickstep to S Club 7 classic "Reach".
Amber is obviously a fantastic dancer but sometimes it feels as though there's a little something missing?
This is fab though. It’s certainly quick - there is absolutely no let-up in the steps. I’m finding the back-up dancers a bit distracting here, though? They’re not really involved and very much just dancing behind Amber and Nikita most of the time.
Judges laud Amber's 'beautiful footwork'
19:29 , Rachel McGrathShirley: “I’m exhausted watching. That was like a Hollywood extravaganza here in Blackpool. Beautiful footwork. The creativity, Nikita, was absolutely a sight to be seen. As you move forward, keep working on the upper half of your body.”
Anton: “Wow! This is what you call, ‘I’m going to show you a quickstep and I’m going to put into it every step I’ve ever learnt in my life’. You covered this whole floor amazingly. Well done.”
Craig: “Sadly there was a lot of gaping. But you flew around that floor faster than a seagull swooping in for a chip. Your timing is exceptional. You are such a brilliant performer.”
Motsi: “You are so versatile. Every dance, there’s a new Amber and I love that. I can see you’ve been working on that stretch everyone has been asking for. You are very energetic, you’re light, you have a lot of fluidity. I loved it guys, well done.”
Amber’s scores are... 9, 9, 9 and 9 - a total of 36.
Karen brings the fire with her paso doble
19:34 , Rachel McGrathOh, now we're talking - Karen and Carlos are bringing the drama with a paso doble, which should be a highlight of the night.
They've never ended up in the dance-off but these two have still had an emotional journey so far, and Carlos was in floods of tears last week as he praised his partner.
How are they doing this week? First of all, this routine has a fortune teller theme which is amazing. Karen is looking *fierce* too - as is Carlos, as usual. I love it. So much.
Karen lands her highest score yet
19:40 , Rachel McGrathTess has described Karen’s dance as epic and she is not wrong. The audience are on their feet!
Here are the judges’ comments for Karen...
Craig: “That’s how you score a goal that’s for sure. Insane. Exciting. I would have liked a little more [everyone is booing and he can’t finish the sentence]. You are absolutely incredible.”
Motsi: “I’ve fallen for you. Actually, the whole audience did. I’m going to try to keep it short, I do not have a paddle that can express how good that dance was. It doesn’t exist.”
Shirley: “Carlos, you’ve got me quite emotional. I’ve seen many brilliant paso dobles here but that choreography from you was of the highest, competitive quality. I’ve never seen a paso doble like that. You scored on every competitive level.”
Anton: “Oh wow. Wow. Last week, I asked ‘bring your best’. This was an absolute tour de force. Extraordinary. I’d like to give you 25 for that.”
Karen’s scores are... 9, 10, 10, 10 - that’s 39. Her highest score yet!
Alex shares the story behind her Couple's Choice
19:48 , Rachel McGrathA Geri Halliwell and Shirley Bassey mash-up? This is the stuff Blackpool dreams are made of. Alex and Johannes are dancing their Couple's Choice to "History Repeating" and "Look At Me".
In her VT, Alex praised her husband, Jonathan.
“He gets me in a way nobody else really has,” she said. “He writes me poetry and he will learn a poem and recite it to me.”
Alex also discussed how she was diagnosed with a uterine cancer last year, which required a hysterectomy and radiotherapy. “Off the back of getting the all-clear, I decided I would do Strictly,” she said.
“In this Couple’s Choice, I would love people to connect with my joy and feel life is worth celebrating.”
Alex admits 'the VTs put me off' after shaky Couple's Choice
19:54 , Rachel McGrathHmmm, Alex doesn’t look fully happy with that?
“I don’t like listening to the VTs,” she said to Tess. “They put me off.”
Here are the judges’ comments...
Shirley: “I see an elegant, expressive lady who added all sorts of flicks and kicks all over. All the time, everyone was tumbling and kicking, and there’s you doing your graceful bit. I enjoyed it immensely.”
Anton: “This is right up my street. This is so stylish and sophisticated, it’s so you. I love you doing this number and I love this number.”
Craig: “You had little stop moments, they could have had a little bit more definition. Your timing got completely out, there was a nasty underarm turn. I loved the sultry temptress, I loved the whole story, you held your own completely. Pure theatre, darling.”
Motsi: “Thank you again for reminding us what is important in this life. I thought you were slick, sultry and sensational. It was so tight, and you gave it the attitude and the right tempo for the dance. This was Alex. Thank you.”
Alex’s scores are... 8, 9, 9 and 9 - a total of 35.
George closes the show with a lift-packed salsa
19:58 , Rachel McGrathGeorge and Alexis are up now with a salsa set to "Rock This Party" by Bob Sinclar, which is sure to be fun.
The salsa is one of the more difficult styles for celebs to master and has resulted in a number of exits over the years. Luckily for him, nobody is going home!
This isn’t a bad effort at all, you know - great hip action, and lots of flips. And next level lifts. I’m a bit dizzy.
'Magical' George lands three 10s for his salsa
20:03 , Rachel McGrathHere are the judges’ comments for George...
Motsi: “Wow, wow. I’m turning into Anton. This is how you close Blackpool. Amazing. Oh my god. Wow.”
Shirley: “A new day, a new George with a fantastic vibe. Every week, we’ve asked you to bring your personality. I loved that you were front and centre on your own. I loved the way you did the lift and put her down gently in the splits. That’s your best dance so far.”
Anton: “George! WOW! Wow! I loved this. This was so good. You gave it the salsa face. I have to tell you, this has been a magical... I don’t know if I’ve experienced a better Blackpool than this.”
Craig: “Well, I thought the whole base of the salsa was a little bit wide. But your hips were swinging, those lifts were incredible. You are a true star.”
George’s scores are... 9, 10, 10 and 10 - a total of 39. That puts him joint second on the leaderboard!
The vote is open
20:05 , Rachel McGrathEven though there’s no dance-off this weekend, voting is still taking place - and you can head over to the BBC site to back your faves now!
The judges’ scores and viewers’ votes will all be rolled over and added on next week, when the dance-off will return.
According to the BBC site, the vote will close at 8.35pm still.
That's it from me!
20:16 , Rachel McGrathWhat a night, eh?
While tomorrow’s results show won’t actually include any results, it will feature a special farewell to La Voix and the group dance featuring the returning celebs.
See you next Saturday!
