Strictly Come Dancing ‘s fourth live show of the 2025 series is done and dusted – and Alex Kingston topped the leaderboard with a spell-binding rumba.
The dance style is one the celebrities often find tricky, but the Doctor Who star pulled off a phenomenal routine with her pro partner Johannes Radebe. The pair left the whole panel impressed, with head judge Shirley Ballas walking onto the dancefloor to crown Kingston the new ‘Queen of the Rumba’.
Lewis Cope finished up in second place on the leaderboard after their Foxtrot to Nat King Cole's “L-O-V-E”, while former Love Islander Amber Davies was in third after performing the first Argentine tango of the series.
The episode also saw Neighbours star Stefan Dennis and his partner Dianne Buswell performed a Charleston, having missed last week’s episode due to vertigo.
Entertainment reporter Ross King became the second star to be eliminated after a shock dance off with EastEnders’ Balvinder Sopal. King’s departure followed Apprentice candidate Thomas Skinner, who said this week he wishes he’d never signed up to the competition.
Recap the show as it happened below...
Strictly Come Dancing: Live updates
- Lewis Cope responds to claims he’s professionally trained dancer
- Judges praise Karen Carney for her recovery after slipping in opening dance
- Pregnant Dianne Buswell wows fans with 'elite' routine
- Panel spot mistakes in George Clarke's tango
- Celebs rally round as judges get tough on La Voix's cha cha
- Shirley Ballas crowns a new Queen of the Rumba
- Ellie Goldstein closes the show in style
Stefan Dennis will return to dancefloor after illness
09:48 , Jacob StolworthyNeighbours star Stefan Dennis will return to Strictly after a week off.
Just 24 hours before last weekend’s episode, the actor was forced to sit out of the show after suffering from vertigo.
More here:
Stefan Dennis reveals what illness prevented him from dancing on Strictly last week
Who is dancing what during tonight’s episode?
10:00 , Jacob StolworthyThere is no theme in the next episode – but see below for a sneak peek at what dances to expect:
- Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola – Couple’s Choice to “Golden” by HUNTR/X from KPop Demon Hunters
- Stefan Dennis and Dianne Buswell – Charleston to “Dance Monkey” by Tones and I
- Karen Carney and Carlos Gu – Quickstep to “Marvellous Party” by Beverley Knight
- Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe – Rumba to “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman
- La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec – Cha-cha-cha to “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benetar
- Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin – Argentine Tango to “Angel of My Dream” by JADE
- Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon – Paso doble to “Diablo Rojo” by Rodrigo y Gabriela
- Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley – Couple’s Choice to a medley of soca songs from Trinidad and Tobago
- Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer – Rumba to “It Must Have Been Love” by Roxette
- Lewis Cope and Katya Jones – Foxtrot to “L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole
- Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova – Salsa to “Maria” by Ricky Martin
- Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington – Samba to “La Isla Bonita” by Madonna
- George Clarke and Alexis Warr – Tango to “Viva la Vida” by Coldplay
Lewis Cope ‘confused’ by claims he’s trained professional
10:07 , Jacob StolworthyEmmerdale star Lewis Cope is addressing claims he’s a professionally trained dancer after topping the leaderboard– and receiving the first 10 of the series.
“It’s strange to hear that I’m some kind of ‘professional dancer’. It’s been so long since I danced, and I never trained professionally,” the star told OK.
The actor previously revealed it’s been more than a decade since he last danced.
Thomas Skiner regrets saying yes to 'Strictly'
10:15 , Jacob StolworthyReality TV star Thomas Skinner has revealed regret over taking part in Strictly Come Dancing.
The former Apprentice contestant was the first celebrity to be eliminated from this year’s edition of the BBC One dancing show, and Skinner has now admitted he “never fitted the bill”.
More here:
Thomas Skinner admits Strictly ‘regret’ in angry social media post
Amy Dowden shares dark horse prediction for 2025 series
10:45 , Jacob StolworthyAmy Dowden, the professional dancer who was partnered with Thomas Skinner, thinks Karen Carney has a fighting chance at winning this year’s series.
Speaking about potential winners, Dowden told The Independent: “A footballer, who would have thought it? I love the way she’s coming out there and she’s selling these performances.”
Katya Jones finally has the partner she deserves
11:14 , Jacob StolworthyThe Strictly professional has had a run of bad luck and scandals on the show – it’s about time she had a partner who could win.
Rachel McGrath reports:
Vicky Pattison says she’s ‘overwhelmed’ by ‘Strictly’ experience
12:00 , Jacob StolworthyReality television personality Vicky Pattison has described her experience on Strictly Come Dancing as “intimidating and overwhelming”.
The star, who is paired with professional dancer Kai Widdrington, admitted that training for the BBC hit series has been a “baptism of fire”,
“All the pros are carved like angels, and I’m there sweating away in my gym gear,” she told Women’s Health UK.
“It’s both intimidating and overwhelming. But as you get older, you don’t often get the opportunity to get out of your comfort zone. I like to prove I’m capable.”
More here:
Strictly star admits she’s finding BBC dance show ‘overwhelming’
‘Strictly’ fans lef furious after last week's dance off
12:30 , Jacob StolworthyStrictly Come Dancing fans were left in disbelief after Balvinder Sopal found herself in the dreaded dance off.
On Sunday’s results show (12 October), the EastEnders star received the least number of votes alongside entertainment reporter Ross King.
While King became the second contestant to be eliminated from the 2025 series, viewers couldn’t help but share their surprise at Sopal and her professional partner Julian Caillon’s presence in the bottom two.
Strictly fans left furious after surprise star ends up in dance off
Last week’s leaderboard
13:00 , Jacob StolworthyBefore week four fo the competition, catch up onn he marks and total scores from last weeks from judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke:
Lewis Cope and Katya Jones – 9 + 10 + 9 + 9 = 37
Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin – 8 + 9 + 9 + 9 = 35
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer – 8 + 8 + 8 + 8 = 32
George Clarke and Alexis Warr – 6 + 8 + 9 + 8 = 31
Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe – 7 + 8 + 7 + 8 = 30
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley – 7 + 7 + 6 + 8 = 28
La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec – 7 + 7 + 7 + 7 = 28
Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon – 7 + 7 + 6 + 6 =26
Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola – 6 + 7 +7 + 7 = 25
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu – 4 + 7 + 7 + 7 = 25
Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington – 5 + 7 + 6 + 7 = 25
Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova – 4 + 6 + 6 + 6 = 22
Ross King and Jowita Przystał – 4 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 19
Catch up with last week’s events
13:30 , Jacob StolworthyStrictly Come Dancing brought plenty of drama in its annual Movie Week – and one star even managed the impressive feat of landing the first 10 of the series.
Strictly Come Dancing week three: Movie Night sees first 10 of the series
Cynthia Erivo appeared on last week’s show
14:00 , Jacob StolworthyStrictly viewers were treated to an appearace by Wicked star Cynthia Erivo in last week’s episode.
It was revealed by presenter Tess Daly at the start of the episode that the Oscar-nominated actor had been guest mentoring the stars, but would not be offering scores after each performance.
This led to a few awkward moments.
‘All a bit awkward’: Strictly viewers left baffled by Cynthia Erivo decision
Who is favourite to be voted off next?
14:30 , Jacob StolworthyThe odds are in for this weekend’s Strictly – and it seems Chris Robshaw will be lucky to make it through.
Rugby player Robshaw is the most likely to be eliminated in tomorrow’s results show, closely followed by Stefan Dennis, Balvinder Sopal.
Alex Kingston is one to watch
15:00 , Jacob StolworthyMany Strictly viewers are earmarking ER and Doctor Who star Alex Kingston as a dark horse in this year’s competition.
After a meagre first week performance, Kingston has risen up the leaderboard – and is fast becoming a fan favourite.
Amber Davies is uncertain about tonight’s performance
15:30 , Jacob StolworthyAmber Davies will perform this year’s first Argentine Tango – and she’s feeling the nerves.
Speaking on companion show It Takes Two, Davies said “It’s the first time I’ve looked at a routine and thought ‘I don’t know if I’m going to be able to achieve that.’”
She said the challenging routine is “a massive compliment” as it means her professional partner Nikita Kuzmin “believes” in her.
Stefan Dennis reveals why he had to miss last week’s episode
16:00 , Jacob StolworthyTonight, Neighbours star Stefan Dennis will make a return to Strictly – and has revealed why he had to sit out of last week’s episode.
More here:
Stefan Dennis reveals what illness prevented him from dancing on Strictly last week
Rachel Zegler to perform acclaimed Evita role on Strictly Come Dancing
17:10 , Ellie MuirRachel Zegler is bringing her acclaimed West End performance to Strictly Come Dancing.
The BBC has confirmed that the actor, who recently concluded her run in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita, will appear on the show to mark Icons Week – just two weeks after Wicked star Cynthia Erivo guest mentored the contestants.
Read more here:
Exclusive: Acclaimed West End star to perform showstopping role on Strictly
Channing Tatum left confused over Dianne Buswell’s pregnancy on One Show
18:00 , Ellie MuirChanning Tatum looked bewildered when he misinterpreted a reference to Dianne Buswell’s pregnancy while appearing on The One Show.
The Roofman actor and Strictly Come Dancing professional – who is expecting her first child – were both guests on the BBC chat show when host Alex Jones offered “huge congratulations” to Buswell, saying that “there’s actually three of you dancing” on the competition.
Buswell smiled to her celebrity dance partner Stefan Dennis, saying, “There are three of us dancing.” Tatum, who was unaware of Buswell’s pregnancy, frowned and looked confused about what was being discussed.
Read more here:
Channing Tatum hilariously confused by Strictly star’s pregnancy comments
15 minutes to go!
18:15 , Rachel McGrathThere’s not long to go until tonight’s show - 15 minutes to be exact. Now’s the time to get the snacks and drinks ready!
And we're off!
18:31 , Rachel McGrathTonight's episode is officially underway! We have 12 couples dancing - which is the same number as last week.
While we said goodbye to Ross in the Movie Week results show, Stefan was missing from the weekend's fun as he had to sit out the live ep due to illness.
He'll make his return with pro partner Dianne tonight - and I hope he is feeling a lot better because they have an energetic Charleston to master...
Karen opens the show
18:38 , Rachel McGrathThere was no opening routines from the pros tonight so we’re getting straight into the action.
Karen and Carlos took on the cha cha last week and now they're tackling one of the more energetic ballroom styles, the quickstep.
They're dancing to "Marvellous" by Beverley Knight and what a beautiful way to open the show!
As usual, they look like they’re having an absolute blast which I love. And Karen seems to be keeping up with these super fast moves really well.
There was a slight stumble as Karen got up from a lift but all in all, a great effort.
Judges praise Karen for recovering from a slip
18:42 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges have said...
Motsi: “Karen, you were elegant, on rhythm, you were fast. I loved the attack. You look settled now, you have everything really shiny and bright. There was a slip on the dress, I forgive that.”
Shirley: “This is an improvement from when you did your tango. The tailsuit, the dress, the grooming, it just looks fabulous. Anything with energy, you are outstanding with. Did you have a little slip at the end? Yes. Did you recuperate? Yes.”
Anton: “Really professional, really focussed. A little bit of gaping... but the opening was clean, this energy is great, much clearer in the footwork. Well done.”
Craig: “Slipping happens to the best of us, darling. Recovery is important. Your topline needs to be a little quieter and your feet are slightly sickled but you know what, the Charlestons you do are incredible. I cannot wait to see you do a Charleston.”
And the scores are... 6, 7, 7 and 7 - a total of 27.
Harry takens on the rumba
18:46 , Rachel McGrathNext up, it's Harry and Karen. I definitely think these two are ones to watch in the competition.
Former Team GB star Harry really throws himself into every routine - he's a total joy to watch.
Their rumba is set to "It Must Have Been Love" by Roxette and they’re certainly bringing the sensual energy.
Harry is also in an open shirt, which I’m sure the panel will be big fans of.
Harry and Karen's 'chemistry' wows judges
18:52 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges had to say to Harry...
Anton: “It was... it was devastating wasn’t it? [he means in a good way] Karen giving it the full J.Lo. It was intense, it was based on great choreography, beautifully put together. All in all, wow. That was a good effort, well done.”
Craig: “I would have liked to have seen more fluidity, particularly in the hip department. But I have to say you presented Karen beautifully.”
Motsi: “I actually don’t think you presented her beautifully, I think you did really well in your partnering skills. That’s a talent you have to learn and feel. Can we all speak about the chemistry? [she’s now singing “It Must Have Been Love”].”
Shirley: “Congratulations Karen, you were moving from foot to foot, you had choreography that was very challenging. Harry, your next project is to flow from foot to foot in all dances. But the chemistry and the narrative, the storyline and sensuality, was all there.”
Harry’s scores are... 6, 7, 6 and 7 - a total of 26.
Vicky sparkles with a samba
18:56 , Rachel McGrathIt's samba time for Vicky and Kai. I'm glad Vicky has managed to somewhat conquer her nerves before taking on this dance style.
I mean this with no malice at all, but can you imagine if she'd had to do it earlier? Oh it wouldn't have been good.
Thankfully, we're four weeks in now. This routine is set to Madonna's "La Isla Bonita" and Vicky is bringing the energy! She looks like a different person compared to week one.
Vicky lands her highest score yet with 'marvellous' samba
19:02 , Rachel McGrathThe judges are big fans of Vicky! Here are their comments...
Shirley: “Kai, that choreography, you used the gold syllabus and made it look like open choreography. Co-ordination is getting better. When you hold onto Kai’s shoulder, make sure your arms go in front of you and never go back. You’re gradual and steady but going forward.”
Anton: “Marvellous! I loved it. The samba makes me feel a bit sick but I have to tell you, this was a brilliantly put together piece of choreography. This was a combination of everything coming together at the right time.”
Craig: “I would have liked to have seen sharper arms, just so it goes ‘pop’ and ‘pow’. It was very monotone. But technically, I thought it was very good.”
Motsi: “You really had fun with that. I would have loved a little more movement within the body but, funny enough, when you were right there in front of everybody on the solo part, you went crazy. Everybody loved it. Kai, maybe let her do some solo parts? She’s getting there, she’s got this.”
Vicky’s scores are... 7, 7, 7 and an 8 - a total of 29. That’s her highest score yet!
Stefan returns with a Charleston
19:05 , Rachel McGrathStefan's back! After having to sit out last week due to illness, the Neighbours actor and his fellow Aussie Dianne are returning to the ballroom... and dancing a Charleston!
I know I say this every week, but it's my fave dance style. Will it be Stefan's? It's a tough one to master, especially when you've had a little time out from the show.
They’re started on a special platfom behind the band and getting down from it has wasted some precious seconds...
Now they’re into the actual Charleston though, this is fun to watch!
Judges hail Stefan's Charleston as his 'best dance'
19:10 , Rachel McGrathThe judges have told Stefan...
Craig: “You need to find a lot more musicality in your body, in your torso. You need to dance it a bit more. It needed to be loosened up a bit, I felt you played it too safe. But I love your storytelling, I think it is brilliant.”
Motsi: “I disagree, I disagree. Listen - that was your best dance. You have been good from the beginning but you’ve always got nervous. And you look great.”
Shirley: “I only ever judge you against yourself and today, you came back with a bang. You had difficult choreography, every single thing you did together was great. I think you came out of your box and you pushed your limits. That was a job well done.”
Anton: “I agree. I like you doing this really character-led style of dance. I like the Charleston when it’s this narrative driven. This is your best dance.”
Stefan’s scores are... 5, 7, 7 and 7 - a total of 26.
Dianne Buswell praised by fans
19:12 , Rachel McGrathCan we also just take a moment for Dianne please?
The professional dancer is this series becoming the first to ever compete in the show while pregnant - and what a stunning job she’s doing.
Fans (including “Only Connect” host Victoria Coren Mitchell) are loving her...
Dianne on Strictly is a powerhouse, dancing and moving around like that while pregnant. That woman is elite.
— Ieuan Benney (@ieuan_benney) October 18, 2025
Blimey Diane. When I was pregnant, I barely got up to change the channel. #strictly
— Victoria Coren Mitchell (@VictoriaCoren) October 18, 2025
Lewis foxtrots into week four
19:13 , Rachel McGrathLewis and Katya are coming into this week in the strongest position possible, having topped the Movie Night leaderboard *and* receiving the first 10 of the series.
Tonight they're dancing a foxtrot to 'L-O-V-E" by Nat King Cole. It is beautiful but doesn’t have the obvious wow moments of last week’s paso (which is because it’s a foxtrot rather than down to either of them).
Lewis Cope goes top of the leaderboard
19:19 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges have said...
Anton: “The feel was gorgeous. Everything you wanted from a foxtrot. I want you to work on this part of dancing: you’re dancing with Katya, I want you to dance together. It’s quite different. I want you to envelope her in your frame.”
Craig: “Sometimes you do put a little too much power or energy into the moves but I’ve got to say, that was beautiful. You have musicality in abundance.”
Motsi: “We mostly speak to the celebrity but what I love is I’m speaking to the couple. I don’t see a teacher and a celebrity, you guys have just gelled together. For me, you are the couple.”
Shirley: “For me, I disagree with Anton. Every week now, we have asked you not to throw everything in. You’ve come out today, you did a beautiful lift at the beginning, you took care of this young lady. You displayed yourself today first class. You did everything you’ve been told to do.”
The scores are... 8, 9, 9 and 8 - a leaderboard-topping 34!
Jimmy pays tribute to his family with joyful Couple's Choice
19:24 , Rachel McGrathThere are two couple's choice routines being danced tonight and the first is from Jimmy and Lauren, who are perfoming to a soca medley. For the unititated, soca is a Trinidadian genre that fuses Calypso with Indian rhythms.
Jimmy’s dance is dedicated to his family, specifically his mother who passed away last year.
The routine itself is a joyous celebration of his Suriname roots and the music he grew up listening to - and he has the hip action to pull it off. There are some fab lifts too.
Jimmy lands his highest score yet
19:28 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges have told Jimmy...
Motsi: “Very emotional, thank you for sharing. You’re an inspiration and I’m sure so many people feel proud to see you represent them on the dancefloor, thank you.”
Shirley: “I loved all the combinations of the rhythms you chose. Overall you’ve become one of the best entertainers we have on the show, for sure.”
Anton: “This dance is a celebration. And it was joyous and fun. I judt thought you were magnificent, well done you.”
Craig: “In a dance like this, you need to dance to your size. I feel it needed to be broader, bigger shapes, cleaner shapes. But your energy darling, I was loving it. You bring such a commitment to this dance.”
His scores are... 6 (harsh!), 8, 7 and 8 - a total of 29, Jimmy’s highest score yet.
Strictly pair caught on Coldplay audience cam before tango
19:32 , Rachel McGrathIt's tango time! George and Alexis are performing theirs to "Viva La Vida" which is quite the gear change after their KPop Demon Hunters-themed couple's choice last week.
Before their VT, Strictly squeezed in a little time for an audience cam moment - with it panning to Claudia embracing Dave Arch. Topical, I love it.
The Strictly band have given their cover some Bridgerton-esque strings which is also great.
And the dancing, yes - sorry that’s what we’re here for isn’t it. As you’d expect from George and Alexis, it’s brilliant.
Panel spots mistakes in George's tango
19:37 , Rachel McGrathHere are the judges’ comments...
Shirley: “First traditional ballroom dance and I am seeing some fantastic footwork. This started off great, I love the story telling but in the middle it got a little lost. Your legs got a little bit tangled. There was a lot in there to like, then I saw this tangle and weaving on the wrong side and I can’t let that go.”
Anton: “You’ve got away with one there because I didn’t notice that. What I like about your dancing, you have a calm demeanor, a quietness about what you’re doing. It’s so skillful to have that. Keep that and work on the other bits.”
Craig: “I think another attempt at that and you would nail it completely. The only thing for me is, it needs to have more of a Y frame. But I felt you were actually leading the dance, even in the mistakes you recovered. You are really impressing me, I’ve got to say.”
Motsi: “George, you have split the judges. I thought it was supposed to be like that. I’m just fascinated by you from a dancing perspective. You have an intense way of moving, you have such a strong focus, you are so in it. Don’t lean in - fly in. Crash. Because you are amazing, I loved it.”
George’s scores are... 7, 8, 7 and 8 - a total of 30.
La Voix shows her feisty side (with a few mistakes)
19:41 , Rachel McGrathIt's cha cha time! This series' most hilarious contest La Voix and her pro partner Aljaz are dancing to "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" by Pat Benatar (a song I had to look up but it turns out I do know).
Last week La Voix showed her serious side with a Mary Poppins waltz and tonight she’s showing a feisty side with a boxing themed-routine. She has range, I’ll give her that.
There were a few mistakes in the middle as she started a move on the wrong foot, which I’m sure the judges will pick up on... this dance is perhaps not her best shot but the energy was certainly there.
Celebs rally round La Voix as judges get tough on her cha cha
19:47 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges have told La Voix...
Craig: “Erm... well. It’s like going to the dentist, you go in smiling and you get prodded and leave feeling numb.”
Motsi: “I feel like Mother Christmas, I want to give all of you the good stuff and lay down and chill but it’s not happening. Not this Saturday. The cha cha I saw, I would love for us to work on a few things. Try to get a bit more flexibility, a bit more leg action. I loved the concept though.”
Shirley: “I think La Voix, we all love you. And if I am perfectly honest, I wouldn’t be able to judge that at all. You never got off to a good start from the beginning. You just had one of those days. But we love you, you can come back strong from this.”
Anton: “Oh well... you know. I’ve been where Aljaz is a few times. It’s like where you turn up and you’ve never met.”
La Voix’s scores are... 3 (ouch!), 4, 2 (ouch!!) and 5 - a painfully low total of 14. Thankfully, the whole gang in the Clauditorium are now giving her a much-needed group hug.
Balvinder bounces back from the dance-off
19:51 , Rachel McGrathBalvinder received a solid score of 26 for her foxtrot last week but found herself in the dance-off when viewers' votes were combined with the judges scores - which definitely felt a bit harsh.
Tonight she's dancing a paso doble to "Diablo Rojo" by Rodrigo y Gabriela and it certainly suits her better. She’s bringing plenty of sassy senorita vibes with lots of skirt-ography (that’s a word now, OK?).
Balvinder beams as judges praise her paso
19:56 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges have told Balvinder...
Anton: “Thank you very much! Much more like it. This is back to where you were at the Charleston. When you have that sort of intention, you’re so much better. What I want from you is consistency, of performance, of intention. Well done you.”
Craig: “The left shoulder was slightly raised, it was a little messy from figure to figure. But the intricate rhythms, I thought you coped with brilliantly.I think it was great.”
Motsi: “The energy and the answer from last week, where you had to fight back, I felt that. That was ‘I’m not going home, I’m going to show you what I can do’. You have that power of giving dance life. You live it and that’s so rare. Keep fighting and keep going. You are a powerhouse.”
Shirley: “The lights, the atmosphere, the choreography, everything today was working in your favour. The hardest thing you did was to work that skirt the way you do without slipping on it, getting tangled up. You gave a true flavour of what a Paso doble is.”
Balvinder’s scores are... 7, 7, 7 and another 7 - a total of 28.
Alex and Johannes deliver a solid rumba
20:00 , Rachel McGrathTaking on the rumba next it's Alex and Johannes. The actress made light work of the dreaded samba a couple of weeks ago so hopefully she's not feeling too nervous about taking on another tricky style.
There is nobody better to dance a rumba with than Johannes though, so she's in very good hands.
They’re performing to Magic FM classic “Fast Car” and it is lovely! Not quite the same sensual energy and chemistry that Harry and Karen brought earlier though, it has to be said...
Shirley Ballas crowns a new Queen of the Rumba
20:05 , Rachel McGrathThey got a standing ovation from the crowd - and Shirley! Who then came down to give Alex her feedback on in front of her on the floor.
“An absolute perfect routine for me,” she said. “The temperature between the tw of you was perfect. May I give the Queen [Alex!] a kiss?”
Anton has now come down to shake Alex’s hand and say well done too.
Here are the rest of the judges’ comments...
Craig: “I would have liked to see you extend... [he’s been interupted by boos]. Thank you. Just exaggerate the top line ever so slightly. But you are becoming quite a dancer.”
Motsi: “This was on a whole different level. The breathing, the partnership, the both of you.”
And the scores... 8, 9, 10 (hooray!) and another 9. That’s a total of 36.
Chris salsas into week four
20:09 , Rachel McGrathAlex’s routine will be seriously tough to follow but here come Chris and Nadiya.
It's fair to say the rugby star has struggled so far in the competition, surviving one dance off and ending up second from bottom after his paso last week.
Is he doing better with a salsa to Ricky Martin's track "Maria"? I think it could do with more hip action but there are plenty of lifts to distract from that. And he looks like he’s having a ball so that’s something!
Chris's lifts propel him up the leaderboard
20:13 , Rachel McGrathHere are the judges’ comments...
Craig: “The actual salsa lacked any rotation or fluidity. But those lifts were extraordinary.”
Motsi: “Every week you are improving. Your solo part, you were really strong in your performance. Those lifts! Out of this world. I just want you to keep going.”
Shirley: “Sometimes in dancing, you push your strength, you hide your weakness and your strength is in lifting. I’ve seen world champions do lifts and you’re just as good.”
Anton: “You can’t do that stuff without being completely in time and in harmony with your partner. You’re a big strong boy but it takes technique as well.”
His scores are... 4 (ouch!), 6, 7(!) and 7 - a total of 24.
Amber and Nikita perform first Argentine Tango of the series
20:17 , Rachel McGrathI've had really high hopes for this one. Up next it's Amber and Nikita with a Argentine tango to "Angel of My Dreams" by JADE, which is an inspired choice.ha
It’s the first Argentine tango of the series and there’s no better pair to take it on, in my opinion.
I’m loving the drama of this routine and the band are doing a great job with this cover (I can’t lie, I was worried for them).
Amber divides the judges
20:22 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges have told Amber - and they’re divided!
Motsi: “I loved it. The dance started before the music even played, you guys were in the mood of this dance. Those lifts were on a whole different level, you were so light. Th steps were super fast but you went really well with Nikita. I loved that you guys were in your own world, as if we weren’t here. Well done.”
Shirley: “I thought your lifts were fantastic. I loved the way you had your left hand on his shoulder. What I would like you to work on is just how the legs track and how the feet can be placed.”
Anton: “I agree. It was clean as a whistle, beautifully timed. The Argentine Tango has to be a responsive dance and I thought it seemed a little hard work [he is rightly being booed]. I enjoyed the performance, I think it could have been a little slicker.”
Craig: “It doesn’t need to slicker, it’s the opposite. The leg of the lady should be looser and react to what the man does. I think you are incredible, you really are.”
Her scores are... 8, 9, 8 and 8 - a total of 33.
Ellie closes the show with a celebratory Couple's Choice
20:27 , Rachel McGrathThe second of tonight's couple's choice routines is being performed by Ellie and Vito, who are closing the show with a routine to Harry Styles' track "Golden", which is a brilliant choice for this series' most energetic and vibrant pairing.
Ellie’s VT has seen her explain her story, having been born with Down’s Syndrome. Her lovely mum has made an appearance too, sharing what Ellie was like as a camera-loving child.
“We decided to bring Ellie up as Ellie,” she said. “Not with the label of having Down’s Syndrome.
“I’d like people to see that having Down’s Syndrome, everything is possible. You can be successful.”
This routine is such a JOY. I say this every week but I love, love, love these two as a pair - and this is a wonderful celebration of not just Ellie, but their beautiful partnership. What a way to close the show.
'Inspirational' Ellie lands high praise from the panel
20:32 , Rachel McGrathBefore receiving the judges comments, Ellie went with Vito to give her parents a hug. So yes, I am crying.
Here are the judges’ comments...
Anton: “My 8-year-old twins will be watching tonight and they’re going to be screaming at the top of their voice for you. You’re amazing. Vito, I literally love you. Well done.”
Craig: “Oh, em, gee, darling. You went for it, it had energy. Don’t let your energy move the dance ahead of the beat but what a display of self-expression.”
Motsi: “I'm so happy for you. Happy you had this moment on Strictly. It was strong, it was powerful, so many girls are watching you and they’re going to want to be on stage like you. I’ve never seen you dance stronger, touched me.”
Shirley: “I’m having another emotional moment because I’m looking at your mum. To end the show, to come out here having waited upstairs for nearly two hours, and put your heart and soul into what you danced. That was amazing. Vito, what you are able to bring out in Ellie is just fantastic. Well done.”
Ellie’s scores are... 7, 8, 8 and 8 - a total of 31.
The vote has opened!
20:33 , Rachel McGrathI’m still recovering from that emotional and total joy of a final dance but the vote is open.
It closes at 9pm so you don’t have long to make sure your faves avoid the result show dance-off. Go, go, go!
See you next week!
20:51 , Rachel McGrathThat’s it from me! I’ll be back next Saturday, when we’ll be down to 12 couples.
Find out who leaves the competition when the results show airs tomorrow at 7.15pm on BBC One.
