Strictly Come Dancing week three: Lewis Cope lands first 10 of the series in action-packed Movie Week

Strictly 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.

Lewis Cope and his partner Katya Jones were awarded the top score by judge Motsi Mabuse after closing the show with their Paso Doble to "The Plaza of Execution" from The Mask of Zorro.

The high score came after Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin were awarded the first nines of the season, having opened the episode with their American smooth to "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" from The Sound of Music.

Unfortunately, one celebrity wasn’t able to take part in Saturday’s live show. Neighbours star Stefan Dennis was unwell and advised to rest by doctors, meaning viewers missed out on his Waltz to “It Is You (I Have Loved)” from Shrek. He and partner Dianne Buswell have automatically made it through to the next stage of the competition.

There was one new arrival, however, withWicked star Cynthia Erivo serving as a guest mentor. The Oscar-nominated actor offered the celebrities advice during rehearsals before sitting on the panel (but not scoring) in the live show.

Last week, businessman and former Apprentice candidate Thomas Skinner became the first star to be eliminated from the 2025 series alongside his professional partner Amy Dowden.

Skinner said he was gutted to be the first out, but admitted that his dancing skills left much to be desired.

Here’s all the action as it happened...

Strictly Come Dancing: Live updates

• Wicked star joins as Movie Week's guest mentor
• Amber Davies lands the first 9s of the series
• Cynthia Erivo caught in the crossfire as judges argue
• Craig Revel Horwood shocks fellow judges with low score for Karen Carney
• Shirtless Gladiators star leaves the panel blushing
• Lewis Cope lands first 10 of Strictly 2025

Why is Stefan Dennis not performing tonight?

Saturday 11 October 2025 10:23 , Annabel Nugent

During an announcement on Friday night’s episode of Strictly: It Takes Two, a statement read: “Due to illness over the past few days. Stefan Dennis has been advised by doctors to rest and, as a result, he will not dance this weekend.

“In line with the rules of Strictly, Stefan and Dianne will receive a bye through to next week when they will hopefully be able to dance again.”

Stefan Dennis pulls out of Strictly Come Dancing due to illness

ICYMI

Saturday 11 October 2025 10:25 , Annabel Nugent

See below the marks and total scores from week one and week two, from judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke:

Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin - (7+7+7+6) + (8+7+7+7) = 56

Lewis Cope and Katya Jones - (7+7+7+7) + (7+7+6+7) = 55

George Clarke and Alexis Warr - (6+6+6+6) + (7+7+8+8) = 54

Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe - (4+6+5+6) + (7+8+8+8) = 52

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley - (6+7+7+7) + (6+6+6+7) = 52

Karen Carney and Carlos Gu - (7+8+8+8) + (4+5+5+6) = 51

Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington - (5+6+6+6) + (6+6+6+6) = 47

Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon - (4+4+4+5) + (7+8+8+7) = 47

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer - (4+5+5+5) + (6+7+6+7) = 45

La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec - (6+6+6+6) + (4+5+5+5) = 43

Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola - (4+4+4+5) + (5+6+6+6) = 40

Stefan Dennis and Dianne Buswell - (4+6+6+6) + (4+4+4+5) = 39

Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova - (3+4+3+4) + (3+4+4+5) = 30

Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden - (2+4+5+5) + (2+3+4+4) = 29

Ross King and Jowita Przystał - (2+3+2+3) + (2+4+4+5) = 25

Who is dancing what during tonight's Movie Week episode?

Saturday 11 October 2025 10:28 , Annabel Nugent

Movie Week is a beloved fixture in the Strictly run, with couples performing to famous tunes from iconic films across the decades.

See below for a sneak peek at what you can expect tonight:

• La Voix and Aljaž Skojanec– Waltz to “Feed The Birds” from Mary Poppins
• Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin – American Smooth to “Sixteen Going On Seventeen” from The Sound Of Music
• Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola – Samba to “Dance The Night” from Barbie
• Lewis Cope and Katya Jones – Paso Doble to “The Plaza Of Execution” by The Mask Of Zorro
• Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington – Charleston to “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody” from The Great Gatsby
• Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer – Salsa to “I Always Wanted A Brother” from Mufasa: The Lion King
• Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe – Quickstep to “Suddenly I See” from The Devil Wears Prada
• Ross King and Jowita Przystal – Paso Doble to “Thunderbirds Theme” from Thunderbirds
• George Clarke and Alexis Warr – Couple's Choice to “Soda Pop” by KPop Demon Hunters
• Karen Carney and Carlos Gu – Cha Cha to “She's A Lady” from Miss Congeniality
• Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova – Paso Doble to “Sweet Child O'Mine” from Thor
• Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon – Foxtrot to “The Way You Look Tonight” from Swing Time
• Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley – Samba to “No Time To Die” from James Bond

Alex Kingston opens up about her shock womb cancer diagnosis

Saturday 11 October 2025 10:54 , Annabel Nugent

In an exclusive interview with The Independent, the Strictly star talks about her uterine cancer journey.

Alex Kingston reveals shock womb cancer diagnosis: ‘I haemorrhaged on stage’

What is Cynthia Erivo's history-making role on Strictly?

Saturday 11 October 2025 11:21 , Annabel Nugent

The 38-year-old, who received an Oscar nomination for her role in the musical fantasy Wicked, will be Strictly’s first ever guest mentor for movie week.

Erivo previously appeared as a stand-in judge on the show in 2021, and will return on 11 October in the new role.

More information here:

Oscar nominee confirmed for special Strictly Come Dancing return

Dianne Buswell responds to claims of a 'cover-up'

Saturday 11 October 2025 12:12 , Annabel Nugent

This just in: Dianne Buswell has poured water on rumours that she is the real reason Stefan Dennis won’t be performing this weekend.

“Just to clarify I’ve had lots of people messaging me thinking this is a cover up for me not being able to dance?!” she wrote on Instagram.

Read the full story here:

Dianne Buswell denies claims of a ‘cover-up’ over Stefan Dennis Strictly absence

Former Strictly finalist says show would be 'boring' without trained dancers

Saturday 11 October 2025 12:55 , Annabel Nugent

BBC bosses have come under scrutiny for casting celebrities with extensive dance experience. Most recently some fans have taken issue with the inclusion of West End star Amber Davies.

In an interview with The Sun, Debbie McGee – who took part in the series in 2017 – said: “I think what I'd say is the programme would be very boring if everybody had no experience. So I think the BBC have been very clever in how they've brought different people in.”

Debbie McGee and Giovanni Pernice (Getty Images)

Watch: Amber Davies recalls crying in rehearsals

Saturday 11 October 2025 13:15 , Annabel Nugent

Emotions are high with Amber Davies crying in Strictly rehearsals over her latest dance routine.

Amber Davies cries in Strictly rehearsal as she accuses partner Nikita of lying

What has Thomas Skinner said about his Strictly elimination?

Saturday 11 October 2025 13:45 , Annabel Nugent

The former Apprentice star was the first to go in this year’s series, but he took the exit in his stride.

Thomas Skinner speaks out after Strictly elimination: ‘I move like a fridge’

What time is Strictly on tonight?

Saturday 11 October 2025 14:10 , Annabel Nugent

Saturday’s episode of Strictly will begin airing on BBC One at 6.05pm and is due to finish at 8.30pm.

(BBC)

ICYMI

Saturday 11 October 2025 14:40 , Annabel Nugent

Here’s the leaderboard after week two, with Amber Davies and her pro partner Nikita Kuzmin in top place.

Strictly 2025 leaderboard: Scores from week two of the BBC dance competition

Stefan Dennis won't be on tonight's show

Saturday 11 October 2025 15:00 , Jacob Stolworthy

Stefan Dennis will not dance in this weekend’s Strictly Come Dancing show due to illness.

The Neighbours star will instead receive a pass to next week's programme when it is hoped he will be well again.

Read more here:

Stefan Dennis pulls out of Strictly Come Dancing due to illness

'Strictly' pro denies claims of a 'cover up'

Saturday 11 October 2025 15:30 , Jacob Stolworthy

Strictly Come Dancing professional Dianne Buswell has poured water on rumours that she is the reason Stefan Dennis won’t be performing this weekend.

Annabel Nugent reports:

Dianne Buswell denies claims of a ‘cover-up’ over Stefan Dennis Strictly absence

Alex Kingston reveals her shock womb cancer diagnosis

Saturday 11 October 2025 16:00 , Jacob Stolworthy

The Independent spoke exclusively to Alex Kingston about the uterine cancer journey that led her to say yes to appearing on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

Read the article here:

Alex Kingston reveals shock womb cancer diagnosis: ‘I haemorrhaged on stage’

Strictly star's wife wades into 'experienced dancer' debate

Saturday 11 October 2025 16:30 , Jacob Stolworthy

Chris Robshaw’s wife has expressed disapproval of the show featuring more experienced competitors, calling it “wild”.

Catch up on the controversy here:

Strictly star’s wife questions ‘wild’ decision after series backlash

The 'Strictly' 2025 cast

Saturday 11 October 2025 17:00 , Jacob Stolworthy

Catch up with all of this year’s contestants here

Strictly Come Dancing 2025 couples – full list of celebrities and their partners

15 minutes to go!

Saturday 11 October 2025 17:50 , Rachel McGrath

Pop open the bubbles and get the snacks ready - tonight’s episode starts at 6.05pm so there’s not long to go.

With a finish time of 8.30pm, tonight’s episode clocks in at just under an hour and a half.

Lights, cameras... action!

Saturday 11 October 2025 18:07 , Rachel McGrath

It's Movie Week!

We're one couple down after Tom Skinner and Amy Dowden became the first to leave following last week's dance off - and another pair will also be missing tonight's show due to illness.

Bosses this afternoon confirmed Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis won't be dancing. As per the show's rules, he'll receive a bye to next week (each star gets one per series).

There is plenty to look forward to in tonight's episode though, with dances set to tracks from films including Mary Poppins, The Great Gatsby and Barbie.

And we have a guest mentor - Wicked star Cynthia Erivo is back as a Movie Week treat. She’s the first star to ever take on this role so it’ll be interesting to see what it entails. Let's go!

Pros deliver a Wicked opening number

Saturday 11 October 2025 18:11 , Rachel McGrath

In a nod to this week’s guest mentor, Cynthia Erivo, the professionals are kicking off the live show with an extra special Wicked routine.

Disappointingly, nobody has been painted green.

Cynthia's advice revealed

Saturday 11 October 2025 18:16 , Rachel McGrath

We’re now seeing a VT which reveals the advice Cynthia has been giving the Class of 2025.

This includes helping Vicky Pattison - who has admitted to struggling with nerves - by sharing some breathing techniques and giving social media star George some top tips ahead of his paso doble.

Amber and Nikita open the show

Saturday 11 October 2025 18:23 , Rachel McGrath

Opening the show tonight, it’s Amber and Nikita.

They’re taking on a classic, with an American smooth to "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" from The Sound of Music.

Amber has so far impressed in the competition and topped the combined week one and two leaderboard.

She does, of course, have West End training and as the competition goes on, it will be interesting to see if that stops people from voting for her.

Nikita said in their VT that this routine would be jam-packed with lifts and tough choreo and he wasn’t wrong!

Amber has struggled with a little with her footwork in previous weeks, but you wouldn’t know it tonight. What a way to open the show!

Amber lands rave reviews

Saturday 11 October 2025 18:29 , Rachel McGrath

Cynthia is giving feedback to the celebs tonight, but she won’t be scoring them (a great move to be honest - hats off to whoever in her team negotiated that).

Here’s what the panel said...

Craig: “That was so clean, you had fluidity throughout. The benches, I would never like to try that but you did so well.”

Motsi: “You both danced, and my goosebumps grew. Guys, this is absolutely stunning. Attention to detail, every single step. Super light. Those lifts. Unbelievable.”

Cynthia: “I feel like a proud parent, I’m so pleased! We talked about you melting into each other and it was all there tonight. Well done.”

Shirley: “American-style smooth danced at its very best. Two beautiful heel turns here. The footwork today was just beautiful. Beautifully timed with the music. Exquisite.”

Anton: “It’s going to be a full house. It was beautiful. You’ve arrived.”

And Amber’s scores are... 8, 9 - the first of the series! - another 9, and another 9. That’s a total of 35, which will be tough to beat.

Chris transforms into Thor

Saturday 11 October 2025 18:34 , Rachel McGrath

Poor Chris found himself in the dance-off last week but thankfully made it through to week two when all of the judges opted to save him over Tom Skinner.

I really do think he could offer more to the competition so I'm very glad he's stayed.

Tonight, Chris and his pro partner Nadiya are taking on the paso doble to "Sweet Child O'Mine" from Thor: Love And Thunder. And we have our first wig of the night! A stunning, longer blonde do for Chris.

The paso definitely suits Chris more than previous styles have - he’s certainly bringing the power and embodying an alter ego appears to have done wonders for his acting skills. A downside: he has occasionally just walked all around but it’s an improvement on last week.

Judges praise Chris for improvements

Saturday 11 October 2025 18:40 , Rachel McGrath

Here’s what the judges told Chris...

Motsi: “I see improvement. You are usually quite shy but I can see that has improved. You stood tall, there’s impact in your movement. A great improvement in the right direction.”

Cynthia: “We talked about active breath and using the breath, and I was watching you do that all the way through. I was really, really pleased to see that, I think it’s allowed you to be so much more free in your movement.”

Shirley: “This is definitely several steps up from last week. Good walks when you went forward, I loved that. You had good intention together and you really did look like, ‘ok, this week I’m going to give it my all’.”

Anton: “This is so much better. I’m loving this. You had a moment where you curved backwards, it was tremendous. Those moments are so important for you. Keep this up, I love your presence.”

Craig: “It was a little bit ploddy, it was too square. There was no real Spanish line. But there has been at least a slight bit of improvement in the personality department. You’re putting some character into it.”

And the scores are... 4 (ouch!), 6, 6 and another 6 - a total of 22. That’s Chris’s highest score yet.

George performs first Couple's Choice of the series

Saturday 11 October 2025 18:44 , Rachel McGrath

Social media star George is dancing his Couple’s Choice to a track from KPop Demon Hunters, which will probably mean nothing to you unless you're a parent or teacher.

In his VT, George has talked about his journey to becoming a YouTube star and taken his partner Alexis to meet his pals over pizza.

I’m not sure this modern, pop style suits George as much as some of the traditional dance styles he’s danced so far... he doesn’t look entirely comfortable? It’ll definitely be interesting to see what the judges have to say...

Cynthia Erivo caught in the crossfire as judges disagree on George

Saturday 11 October 2025 18:51 , Rachel McGrath

Here’s what the judges said...

Cynthia: “I’m so proud of you. I believed you as the characters and I’m really pleased to have seen it. Well done.”

Shirley: “When we saw you at the beginning, you looked kind of reserved but you have come out of your shell. That was synchronized, that was precision. You were flying like an angel. You were great.”

Anton: “You’re super, super good. There’s a lot to love. But the moment I was really thrilled with, you did the lift and you were so pleased with yourself, your face lit up. It was from that moment, you came alive.”

Craig: “It needed to be sharper. Shirley, I don’t agree with you, I think it was out of sync a lot. Shirley you’re wrong. This time of dance has to be very specific and it wasn’t like that throughout.”

Motsi: “I feel like the child between mummy and daddy having a fight. What I really loved about you dancing is last week, we had your paso doble and it was sharp. Today we saw you being flexible in your body.”

I have to just note: the highlight of this was Craig and Shirley disagreeing, with Cynthia sat somewhat awkwardly in the middle as they disagreed.

Host Claudia spotted it too!

“Poor Cynthia,” she said. “Her face was like, ‘is this normal?’.”

Anyway, George’s scores are... 6, 8, 9 and 8 - a total of 31.

La Voix shows her softer side

Saturday 11 October 2025 18:55 , Rachel McGrath

Here come La Voix and Aljaz, who - on vibes alone - are another of my fave pairs this year. They're waltzing to "Feed the Birds" from Mary Poppins.

What a lovely routine. That was so nice and Aljaz thought so too, telling his partner: “That was magical. So beautiful!” How sweet!

La Voix's serious side wins praise

Saturday 11 October 2025 19:02 , Rachel McGrath

Here’s what the judges said...

Anton: “It was beautiful. I just thought it was lovely. When you give us this serious side of you, it adds so many layers to your performances.”

Craig: “The posture wasn’t quite right. A little bit smoother footwork, you could have done with. But it was wonderful to see the realness and your musicality is superb.”

Motsi: “The timing was sensational. Every time you dance with Aljaz, I could see you were not ahead of him. When we see ballroom, the pro is sometimes pushing the celebrity but with you two there was no gaping. You were dancing together.”

Cynthia: “We had a conversation about how difficult it can be to be really vulnerable and I watched you take the risk and it was really beautiful. It was wonderful to watch you apply something new and find something new in a character.”

Shirley: “Week three, another step up here. Today, I felt you came out and that sensitivity you had with Aljaz at the beginning, that was really quite special for me.”

La Voix’s scores are... 7, 7, 7 and another 7 - a total of 28.

Ross takes on the paso doble

Saturday 11 October 2025 19:06 , Rachel McGrath

Ross and Jowita are up next! The showbiz journalist will have breathed a huge sigh of relief as he dodged the dance-off last week. But I think it's safe to say he'll really need to up his game to survive in the competition.

Their Thunderbirds paso doble has started with some terrible effects, which are my biggest pet hate. And the dancing? Ross looks like he’s having fun, but there is still some work to do...

Ross lands his highest score yet

Saturday 11 October 2025 19:12 , Rachel McGrath

Here’s what the judges told Ross...

Shirley: “You gave 1000% of yourself there. You took your arms up so strong you almost toppled backwards. From last week to this week, you have done a rise. Everyone is on their game today.”

Anton: “He’s done it again, he’s most improved again! It was brilliant. You did go wrong... but apart from that, this was brilliant. You were strong. What I’d maybe do is try and move in with Cynthia, she’s worked her magic with you.”

Craig: “It was a good chance to be stiff and you’ve managed it all the way through. You do have to have some fluidity. You hit some pretty intense shapes [laughs] and it was character driven.”

Motsi: “You call it stiff, I call it posture. I’m so glad you have this moment right now to boost your confidence and show you can go the whole way. You can do this. Push.”

Cynthia: “I just want to tell you how proud I am of seeing how committed you were to the character. I just wanted to see the character come alive in front of me and you did. So congratulations.”

Ross’s scores are... 4, 5, 5 and 5 -a total of 19. That’s Ross’s highest score yet.

Balvinder and Julian transform into Fred and Ginger

Saturday 11 October 2025 19:16 , Rachel McGrath

It's time for another classic now - Balvinder and Julian are foxtrotting to "The Way You Look Tonight" from Swing Time.

EastEnders star Balvinder’s acting skills are being shown off really well here - she’s so amazing at getting into character and really selling a dance. This is a properly lovely routine. I’d be so surprised if she doesn’t make it until the December weeks of the show. Bravo!

Judges divided on Balvinder

Saturday 11 October 2025 19:24 , Rachel McGrath

Here’s what the judges have told Balvinder..

Anton: “Oh, be still my beating heart. You were beautiful and elegant and sophisticated. The feel was gorgeous. It’s not the same when you get in hold. You get a little tense and hesitant.”

Craig: “The left shoulder was slightly raised in hold, you need to keep that pressed down. The held moments need to be a little softer. But it was elegant, it had class - and much more confidence.”

Motsi: “You gave that dance personality and life, you gave it charm. A foxtrot, we know for more gliding movements and when I saw it slow, I thought you could feel the music a little bit more. But you’re great.”

Cynthia: “We spoke about how much you love music and when you let yourself be led by the music, you became freer. That’s what I watched tonight. You have a wonderful hold of what music can do to the body and when you listen to it, we can see it. I love watching you dance.”

Shirley: “I agree with everybody with the grace and elegance, but it needs finish in the hands and arms. But when you have a slow, you have a slow. The footwork for me, was by no means very good. I believe Balvinder is going to go far but she’s not going to if everything is mushy and ‘oh you’re so great’.”

Balvinder’s scores are... 7, 7, 6 (ouch!) and 6 - a total of 26.

Karen gives Sandra Bullock a run for her money

Saturday 11 October 2025 19:27 , Rachel McGrath

Up next it's Karen and Carlos - and I think the cha cha will be right up their street. They're performing it to "She's A Lady" from Miss Congeniality.

In true Strictly style, their VT has included taking an etiquette lesson - a sort of relevant excursion.

Karen was by far the best of the bunch in week one but didn't deliver with last week's tango. Nevertheless, she's definitely still one to watch and I love the partnership these two have.

Karen has started dance on her own which is tough to do! And she does look much more comfortable again which is fab to see. She has lost her timing a little in the middle but she’s styling it out well. Not a bad effort!

Karen wins praise - but Craig delivers a low score

Saturday 11 October 2025 19:33 , Rachel McGrath

The judges comments for Karen are...

Cynthia: “I really loved watching you do that. It makes me so happy when I see you let loose in the music. I think you’re wonderful.”

Shirley: “That was a power-packed open piece of choreography, one of the most difficult I’ve seen. As you move forward in the competition, you could just refine things. But this is a full-on, competitive routine which you executed well!”

Anton: “Power, wow! There is an enormous physicality about the way you dance. A bit of advice: don’t dance flat. Think diagonal. But I have to tell you, don’t reduce any of the power and fight, it’s terrific.”

Craig: “I would have liked to see a straighter leg and some more hip action. Your arms need sorting. But we’ve seen your potential. I don’t want you to lose faith in that. And what I love about you, is you put every inch of yourself into that dance.”

Motsi: “Every time you spin and stop or have a pose, with you it’s a complete stop. I would love it from everybody. When you dance with Carlos, you look more comfortable. I loved the poise in that cha cha cha. You are attack, attack, attack and that’s the way to be on this dancefloor.”

Karen’s scores are... 4 (ouch!!), 7, 7 and 7 - a total of 25.

Jimmy delivers the first rumba of Strictly 2025

Saturday 11 October 2025 19:37 , Rachel McGrath

Dancing the first rumba of the series, it's Jimmy and Lauren. And they're performing it to Billie Eilish's James Bond theme "No Time To Die".

And this is really good, in my humble opinion. We’ll see what Queen of the Rumba Shirley Ballas has to say, but Jimmy is moving really well!

They’re bringing the drama too. Love it!

Jimmy lands his highest score yet

Saturday 11 October 2025 19:42 , Rachel McGrath1

Here’s what the judges told Jimmy...

Shirley: “There was some lovely body action, hip action going from side to side. I loved the theme and story, I got that connection between the two of you. You are a gorgeous Mr Bond, I have to say.”

Anton: “I thought it was better than that, I thought it was excellent. You didn’t stand, you moved all of the time. You had complete control of Lauren, your musicality is excellent. I thought that was one of the best rubmas I’ve seen for a considerable amount of time.”

Craig: “Normally this dance is very embarrassing for the male celebs and I’ve got to admit I wasn’t expecting much... but I’m pleasantly surprised. That was great.”

Motsi: “If you have such a slow rumba, it takes so much control of your centre. And what you did really well, when you released your hip and used your standing leg, that was such a strong movement.”

Cynthia: “You never lost her eyes, ever. And it was electric. We spoke about finishing the lines to the end of your fingertips, and I watched your hands the entire time. there was always energy.”

Jimmy’s scores are... 7, 7, 6 and 8 - a total of 28.

Vicky brings the energy with the Charleston

Saturday 11 October 2025 19:46 , Rachel McGrath

It's Charleston time! Vicky and Kai are performing the most energetic of the Strictly styles to "A Little Party Never Killed Nobody" from The Great Gatsby.

Vicky looks like she’s having an absolute blast - this is definitely a style that suits her high-energy personality. And she was nervous about the lifts, but they’re great!

Vicky banishes the nerves - and lands a 7

Saturday 11 October 2025 19:52 , Rachel McGrath

Here’s what the judges have told Vicky...

Craig: “I felt you could be a little more extreme in every move. It didn’t have any swivel at all which made it look flat-footed. However, my darling, you got through it and I have to say all the lifts you did were absolutely brilliant.”

Motsi: “Don’t be disappointed, remember where we were three weeks ago! You showed personality, you took risks. You’ve overcome your nerves, you’ve presented a dance. You had more tone this week, we are moving in the right direction.”

Cynthia: “I don’t want you to beat yourself up at all. You did something leaps and bounds ahead of what you did this morning. You had the time of your life on that dancefloor this morning. Well done.”

Shirley: “I know you get nervous but today, I couldn’t see the nerves. You can check that off your list. But Craig, I agree with you. There was no swivels in there. I’m not really sure why it looked on the heavy side for me. It needed more bounce. Come back, have a look at the details.”

Anton: “I enjoyed your performance. It’s moving in the right direction. Turn the nerves into positive nerves. You’re really good and you’re absolutely lovely. You’ve got such potential and you’ve got so much to give.”

Vicky’s scores are... 5, 7, 6 and 7 - a total of 25.

Ellie and Vito take on the samba

Saturday 11 October 2025 19:55 , Rachel McGrath

It's samba time! Tonight it's Ellie and Vito's turn to take on the most-dreaded of the Strictly dance styles.

Once again - hats off to the hair and make-up department. I am loving both Ellie’s Barbie wig and Vito’s Ken wig.

I love Ellie’s energy (as always) and there’s some decent hip movement in this too!

Ellie labelled most improved - and lands her highest score yet

Saturday 11 October 2025 20:00 , Rachel McGrath

Here’s what the judges said to Ellie...

Motsi: “Oh my goodness! For me, you are most improved without a doubt. The control you have, the rhythm changes. Last week, I said more musicality... you were like ‘bam, bam, bam’. You put your heart on the dancefloor. You make us so happy.”

Cynthia: “Ellie... girl! That was wonderful. The confidence. The musicality. I was so proud of you.”

Shirley: “That was a big improvement from the cha cha cha, I can tell you that for sure. You stepped up the choreography. The interaction and your awareness of the teacher was absolutely stunning.”

Anton: “What a performance. You are sensational, I loved it, I love you. It was great. Keep doing that.”

Craig: “The timing was a little iffy. I felt you were skipping too much. But darling, when you did that squat drop. Boom! What I love about you though, you sell everything you dance.”

Ellie’s scores are... 6, 7, 7 and 7 - a total of 27. That’s her highest score yet!

Alex transforms into Miranda Priestley

Saturday 11 October 2025 20:04 , Rachel McGrath

Alex took on the samba last week - and spectacularly broke its curse by topping the learderboard. Tonight, she's dancing a quickstep to "Suddenly I See" from The Devil Wears Prada with pro partner Johannes.

Alex - just like Balvinder - is really using her acting background well on the dancefloor. I thought she started things a little slowly but you can’t fault her for delivering on a character and storyline.

And again... great wig.

Alex stays in character to hear her critiques

Saturday 11 October 2025 20:08 , Rachel McGrath

Alex has hilariously stayed in character for all of the critiques, which is sensational.

Here’s what the judges told Alex/Miranda...

Shirley: “The character was sensational, boy can you tell a story. It gapped a little bit more for me and it was out of sync with the feet together. But you showed great potential to have one of the best frames in this competition.”

Anton: “The performance of the night for characterisation. Turn your head slightly less and lay it out to the side, it’ll give you a lovely line. I really, really enjoyed it, well done.”

Craig: “You had command, you had control, you had power and presence. It was brilliant.”

Motsi: “It’s the definition of movie night. That was the movie. Well done.”

Cynthia: “If Devil Wears Prada was a dance, this would be it. If anything, it topped it for me.”

And her scores are... 7, 8, 7 and 8 - a total of 30.

Harry salsas into Movie Week

Saturday 11 October 2025 20:12 , Rachel McGrath

Here comes Harry, aka Nitro, who has so far brought bundles of joy and enthusiasm to the series - as well as some decent dance moves.

Tonight, the Gladiators star and his partner Karen are performing a salsa to "I Always Wanted a Brother" from Mufasa: The Lion King, which is a spin-off movie that came out last year (don't worry, I had to look it up as well).

I don’t love this song but this routine is fun! Harry is another of the Strictly gang who really just gives it his all and has the most fun on the dancefloor.

Harry leaves the judges blushing

Saturday 11 October 2025 20:17 , Rachel McGrath

Harry has apologised to everyone for the nudity as he’s shirtless. Which is surely the least necessary apology ever from a BBC star.

Here’s what the (blushing) panel said...

Craig: “I almost forgot to look at the footwork, I can’t for the life of me think why... It was clean, it was fresh, it was new and different. I loved the way you kept the energy.”

Motsi: “You kept it in control, there was a lot of rhythm in the body. Those lifts... off the charts!”

Cynthia: “I said I want you to have so much fun with it and I was like yes, now we have it. Give it to them!”

Shirley: “You are the man with the million-dollar smile for sure. You chucked Karen so fast... you picked her up like she was a piece of ribbon. Your solo parts are down and groovy, and that shake of the pecs... You’re going from strength to strength.”

Anton: “Listen, that’s your best dance so far. Well done.”

Harry’s scores are... 8, 8, 8 and another 8 - a total of 32.

Lewis closes the show with a paso doble

Saturday 11 October 2025 20:21 , Rachel McGrath

After George aced the paso last week, it's Lewis's turn to take on the drama-packed dance.

He and Katya are performing to a track from The Mask of Zorro which I'm very much here for.

I can see why Lewis was picked to close the show tonight - he’s certainly brought the power to this routine. And it’s packed with choreography too. What a way to finish!

'The dance of the night' lands Lewis the first 10

Saturday 11 October 2025 20:26 , Rachel McGrath

Lewis’s comments and scores are in...

Cynthia: “Passion, tension, release. All the commitment is here. My mind is blown. Congratulations.”

Shirley: “You were extraordinarily great. Quite phenomenal this evening, well done.”

Anton: “We’ve talked about all these qualities you have and asked you for refinement. This was controlled and elevated the dance to another level.”

Craig: “Unfortunately, your little finger was slightly... Ah. May. Zing.”

Motsi: “I feel like every Movie Night, everybody elevates. What an amazing night. For me, this was the dance of the night without a question.”

Lewis’s scores are... 9, 10 - the first of the series!, 9 and 9 - a total of 37.

It's time to cast your votes!

Saturday 11 October 2025 20:29 , Rachel McGrath

You don't have long to have your say as the online voting closes at 9pm so go, go go!

That's a wrap!

Saturday 11 October 2025 20:43 , Rachel McGrath

That’s it from me for Movie Night! Another couple will leave the competition in tomorrow’s results show, which airs on BBC One at 7.15pm.

See you next week!