Strictly Come Dancing has reached week 10 of its 2025 series, which means the stars can practically smell the quarter-finals.
The six remaining couples returned to perform after last week’s Blackpool extravaganza, in which everyone made it through after La Voix’s untimely departure from the BBC competition due to an injury.
With the final in touching distance, some of the celebrities unfortunately made a few errors on the dancefloor - but two landed perfect scores.
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu landed top marks for their empowering Couple’s Choice before Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin received a 40 for their jive.
Elsewhere in the episode, the six remaining couples took part in an Instant Dance challenge. The chaotic segment saw each pair open an envelope to find out which style they would be performing just moments before taking to the floor.
Recap the latest episode of Strictly Come Dancing as it happened below...
Key Points
- La Voix pulls out of series entirely after injury
- Alex Kingston receives a four after mistake-ridden Cha Cha
- Karen Carney lands perfect score with Couple's Choice
- Balvinder Sopal makes a dance-off prediction
- Amber Davies receives a 40 after energetic jive
- Lewis Cope and Katya Jones win Instant Dance challenge
Hello and welcome back to another Strictly Come Dancing liveblog. We’ll be sharing some stuff throughout the day, and providing live commentary during tonight’s episode
We all know Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are now in their final stretch of the series.
This week, Daly reflected on some of their biggest moments....
Strictly’s Tess Daly praises Claudia Winkleman as she revisits show’s iconic scenes
Live tour news klaxon:
Strictly Come Dancing announces first two celebrities for live tour
Strictly has faced more than its fair share of scandals in recent years. Here’s a rundown:
La Voix may be out of this year’s competition, but there are, as Ian Dury sang, reasons to be cheerful.
Strictly star La Voix lands huge new role after quitting BBC show
Alex Kingston has set the record straight:
Strictly star sets record straight on injury after exit fears
Richard Madeley has weighed in. (In case anyone wants to know...)
Richard Madeley blasts Strictly judges over ‘consistently underrated’ contestant
Remember this a week ago?
Good for him.
And this slip-up from Tess is worth a watch:
Only four hours to go!
Amy Dowden has issued an update on her return to Strictly.
Speculation is still rife over who will replace Tess and Claudia.
BBC boss on why Strictly may not go for a ‘big name’ to replace Claudia and Tess
Strictly Come Dancing contestant Balvinder Sopal has revealed how judge Motsi Mabuses’s support has helped her bounce back from dance-offs
Read more:
Strictly star credits judge Motsi Mabuse for her support after tough dance-offs
Lewis Cope has revealed he fell asleep during a rehearsal with dance partner Katya Jones.
Strictly’s Lewis Cope fell asleep during rehearsal with Katya Jones
La Voix may be gone from the series, but what a star turn it was. ICYMI, this piece summed up her appeal brilliantly...
Thanks to La Voix and Alan Carr, the chaotic gay funnyman is back on the BBC
Remember this dance? Quite the showstopper
Quarter of an hour to go! Are you prepped?
Here we go!
18:35 , Rachel McGrathWeek 10 - how did we get here?! This series feels like it's flying by and there are just three weeks to go until the final. Last Saturday's Blackpool special delivered plenty of brilliant moments *and* saw the remaining couples literally jump for delight as it was revealed there wouldn't be a dance-off. Sadly, it's back to reality this weekend as one pair will be leaving the competition.
There's also an additional challenge to contend with: the instant dance. A new addition to the Strictly set-up, the challenge will see each pair pick an envelope that contains a card with one of the dance styles they've already learnt. They'll then have just minutes to pick costumes and hit the floor. The celebs are all dreading it and there's every chance it could be chaos. Bring it on, I say!
Alex opens the show
18:43 , Rachel McGrathIt’s cha cha time!
Alex and Johannes are riding high off the buzz of performing their Couple's Choice in Blackpool.
Alex definitely looks the part and can we also take a moment for Johannes’s wig?
Alex doesn’t look totally comfortable and got off on the wrong foot just there... Oh no, it’s completely thrown her! What a shame.
Judges pick up on Alex's mistakes
18:48 , Rachel McGrathHere are the judges’ comments...
Motsi: “We have to speak about it... the competition is so tight, so every mistake is a bitter taste and there were quite a few. One I can forgive, two I can look the other way, three mistakes? I am not Mother Christmas.”
Shirley: “Mistakes happen and maybe it’s just one of those days. When it goes well, your leg action is exceptional. But you seemed to get off [wrong] at the beginning and it carried on through the routine.”
Anton: “We all have nights like that. I’ve experienced many. But it was a good effort. I thought your posture was terrific, your timing is good.”
Craig: “It really was two dances, sadly. You lost it, it got out of time, I felt it just got worse and worse and worse. You let it get you.”
Alex’s scores are... 4, 6, 6 and 7 - that’s a total of 23.
George quicksteps into week 10
18:52 , Rachel McGrathGeorge and Alexis are up next, with a quickstep to Frank Sinatra's "I Get a Kick Out Of You".
I feel like this is a ballroom style that really suits George and matches his energy. He looks very dapper too, they’re bringing a lovely dose of old school glam.
It seems this evening is back on track!
George scores 9s despite admitting mistakes
18:58 , Rachel McGrathOh no - George was apologising to Alex there as they finished the routine.
“There were a couple of steps that went wrong,” he told Tess.
Here are the judges’ comments...
Anton: “I love what you’ve done with your outfit. That was super. That was a mix of old school and new school. Did you think you went wrong? I didn’t see anything [Motsi and Craig say they did]. Don’t admit to anything, I’d lie. This was a terrific dance. I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Craig: “Apart from the little mess-up, it lacked drive. It started well then it lost movement around the floor but it was full of style, class and musicality. You are so joyous to watch.”
Motsi: “I think if there was a little mess-up, it’s better it happens now. What I love is that you are ready to take the next steps. This is a different energy you are giving. You are controlling the dance, the dance is not controlling you anymore.”
Shirley: “I saw one tiny hiccup but it was tiny, you picked it up straight away, you got it together. You did a natural spin turn and I don’t think I’ve seen such great footwork. Don’t beat yourself up. This was an outstanding dance.”
George’s scores are... 8, 8, 9 and another 9 - that’s a total of 34!
Lewis delivers an exceptional rumba
19:03 , Rachel McGrathFresh from his 40 last week, Lewis is up next - and it's rumba time! The Emmerdale actor and his pro partner Katya are performing their routine to "Falling" by Harry Styles.
The rumba has really grown on me in recent years, and I've been looking forward to this one. Mainly because - as is the case every week - I couldn’t wait to see the choreography Katya pulls out of the bag.
This is properly lovely, and can I also say I love that they have shoes on, barefoot rumbas give me the ick. The spins! The lifts! Beautiful work.
Brilliant, fantastic and on 'a new level'
19:08 , Rachel McGrathHere are the judges’ comments for Lewis...
Shirley: “Katya, every week you take it to a new level. You used all the space, we don’t see that often. For me, it just needed a little more fluidity. But I thought you did extremely well, I loved the chemistry, I loved the narrative. This is one of the very, very good rumbas.”
Anton: “I agree with everything Shirley said. Everything Shirley described was terrific. For me, it was just a little too placed in the body. All in all, you’re such a talent and it’s so brilliant to watch you dance.”
Craig: “The hips lacked a little bit of fluidity. The composition of that dance was fantastic - artistry, flair and emotion. I loved it.”
Motsi: “I loved the storytelling. I just want to give you one message - the energy you have is so unique. I love that, keep going.”
Lewis’s scores are... 9, 9, 9 and another 9 - he’s top of the leaderboard with 36.
Balvinder and Julian perform a jive
19:12 , Rachel McGrathBalvinder and Julian are up next with the first of tonight’s two jives. Their routine is set to "Right Back Where We Started From" by Maxine Nightingale.
All of the Strictly gang were overjoyed when it was announced there wouldn't be a dance-off last week - but I imagine Balvinder was especially ecstatic.
This jive is fun! Balvinder looks like she’s having a blast. Oh no, I spoke too soon - she’s messed up the footwork. They have recovered well, though! What is going on tonight?
Balvinder was 'super apart from the mistakes' say judges
19:18 , Rachel McGrathHere are the judges’ comments for Balvinder...
Anton: “There must be something in the water tonight. It was super apart from the mistakes. You had a hesitancy in the legs so when you don’t commit, you get between the feet and on the wrong foot.”
Craig: “You’re good at dance-offs, darling. I hope you aren’t there but if you are, we know you’ll do it brilliantly. It was a little bit stompy, you need to turn your feet out. Timing was good and I loved the way you presented the dance.”
Motsi: “We were really getting into it, the kicks were great. When it was strong, it was so strong. When it was weak... we don’t need to say.”
Shirley: “I didn’t find it stompy. You had the swivel in the feet, your flicks and kicks were outstanding. The minute you make the mistakes though, at this point in the competition...”
Balvinder’s scores are... 7 (not bad!), 7, 7 and another 7 - a total of 28.
The story behind Karen's Couple's Choice
19:22 , Rachel McGrathIt's Couple's Choice time for Karen and Carlos! These two struggled to agree on a dance style for this one so I've really been looking forward to seeing what they've settled on.
Explaining the story behind her Couple’s Choice, Karen spoke in her VT about her footballing career, which saw her make her debut first team appearance aged just 14.
Karen said she has struggled with receiving abuse online during her punditry career. Particularly, one incident. “It completely knocked my confidence, and I’ve not been able to get it back,” she said.
Karen breakdances in Couple's Choice
19:23 , Rachel McGrathThe track choice - "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga - is brilliant so that was a great start.
And this routine is brilliant - it’s fun, powerful and celebratory. And packed with different styles! Including break-dancing?! I love it. It’s *so* Karen, in all the best ways.
Emotional Karen lands perfect score
19:28 , Rachel McGrathOh no, Karen is crying! The crowd are going wild, though.
Here are the judges’ comments...
Craig: “That dance got you into the Champions’ League, darling.”
Motsi: “Girl... this was just everything. This is a step up. This is the next level. Congratulations. You knocked it out of the park.”
Shirley: “I’m emotional because I love a strong woman, you are a superstar. You are just progressing. You’re committed, the choreography was outstanding.”
Anton: “This was an absolute celebration of you. I’m going to take a phrase from my friend down the end. That was Ah. May. Zing.”
Karen’s scores are... 10 (yes!!), 10, 10 and 10 - 40!!
Amber pulls off a non-stop jive
19:33 , Rachel McGrathWith the last of the regular dances, it’s Amber and Nkita performing a jive.
This choreography - to “Proud Mary” - is great and the routine is fast. There is no let-up whatsoever. Amber has faltered very slightly but it’s nothing compared to some of the other mistakes tonight (which were total howlers).
Bravo!
Amber receives the second perfect score of the night
19:37 , Rachel McGrathHere are the judges’ comments for Amber... Shirley: “You had a tollgate, a very difficult step. Your performing was outstanding, your footwork was outstanding/ The posture was great. You were sensational.”
Anton: “I wrote down ‘I love energy’. It was so brilliant that’s basically all I wrote.”
Craig: “Now for the truth... Fab-u-lous.”
Motsi: “The thing with such an iconic song is you could go wild, I commend you for keeping it tight, keeping it energised.”
Amber’s scores are... 10, 10, 10 and 10 - that’s a total of 40!
Watch: Alex says fatigue led to mistakes
19:39 , Rachel McGrathAlex had a bit of shocker tonight. Speaking to Claudia, she explained a little bit about what’s happened, admitting the overall fatigue from training has made things difficult.
Here’s what she had to say...
It's instance dance time!
19:40 , Rachel McGrathThis better be the chaos they’ve been promising.
Styles for Instant Dance challenge revealed
19:46 , Rachel McGrathEach couple is finding out their dance style, choosing their clothes and then heading for a speedy change before taking to the floor.
Here are the styles everyone is dancing...
- Alex and Johannes: It’s a... Rumba!
- George and Alexis: Tango
- Lewis and Katya: Jive
- Balvinder and Julian: Paso Doble
- Karen and Carlos: Cha cha
- Amber and Nikita: Samba!
Just to add - these costumes are chaos, neither pair has picked together so none of them will match.
Ok this is delivering on the chaos, I’m a fan. Kudos to the couples who have managed to match their outfits.
On the pros’ set of stairs, Katya is taking it very seriously with a warm-up. On the celebs’ set of stairs, there are lots of scared faces.
Each couple will have 10 seconds to prepare together and then they have to perform for 40 seconds. Let’s go...
Here’s a suitably speedy take on the first three couples...
Alex: She smashed the rumba before and she’s doing it again! I was worried for her having to rumba but actually the slower style has meant she’s able to confer throughout.
George: That horrible fur coat has come off immediately. And they’re pulling off some solid Tango steps! And it’s ended with a lift! Silly and fun... but not sure how it stands up as a tango?
Lewis: Oh Katya has fully choreographed this. She does not mess around and I love it. And he’s ended it by jumping through a hoop she made with her legs? Sorry, it really is hard to describe.
And the final three...
Balvinder: Julian has also come prepared. There’s skirt-ography, paso face and plenty of actual steps. Although Shirley looks concerned.
Karen: Off to a shaky start but they’ve got better! Lots of bodyrolling, Shirley’s face is a picture once again.
Amber: They’ve started with a lift! And then gone into some brilliant pre-prepared bits. Shirley looks happier with this one.
Well... that was a lot, wasn’t it?
Instant Dance scores revealed
20:05 , Rachel McGrathThere’s a maximum of six points up for grabs, with the couple at the top receiving those, the pair in second getting five etc etc.
Going from bottom to top, here are the results...
- Sixth: Karen and Carlos
- Fifth: George and Alexis
- Fourth: Alex and Johannes
- Third: Amber and Nikita
- Second: Balvinder and Julian
- First: Lewis and Katya.
Balvinder jokes about ending up in the dance-off
20:07 , Rachel McGrathA lot has gone on tonight hasn’t it?
Here’s another of the big moments from earlier, as Balvinder quipped about whether she’ll be in the dance-off yet again...
Strictly’s Balvinder Sopal makes savage prediction about dance-off
Watch: Amber lands a perfect score
20:08 , Rachel McGrathHere’s another great moment from earlier - Amber and Nikita’s perfect score!
That's it from me!
20:21 , Rachel McGrathWhat a night, eh?
Tune in to the results show tomorrow to find out who leaves the competition. If the judges are split on which pair should go, Shirley will have the deciding vote.
I’ll see you back here next week. In the meantime, I need to recover from the chaos of that Instant Dance challenge...
