Glitterballs and goodbyes next time
As always, thanks for watching along with me, lovely sequin-spangled community. Our remaining three couples now dance into the gala grand final, where they will perform not one, not two, but three full routines apiece in their bid to get their mitts on that ballroom bauble.
It will also mark our live farewell to the Tess-and-Claud dream team. Don’t, you’ll set me off.
The final airs next Saturday at 7pm on BBC1. See you back here to wave our virtual scoring paddles and salute our Strictly 2025 champion. In the meantime, for the penultimate time this series: keeeeep dancing! Thank you and a glittery goodnight.
Finally, limbolaurie says: “Amber isn’t getting public support because she dances in theatres for a living. But perhaps also because Amber’s dances are beautiful but in, my opinion lacking in emotion. Compared to George’s Charleston or Kaz’s waltz, they do not exude feelings. Or is that just me?”
ABH2018 says: “Lovely to see Bal holding Tess’s hand so warmly.”
Somersetlass says: “What a beautiful, graceful exit speech from Bal, with no gushing. I know some people who know her read this blog: please tell her how brilliant she is.”
elfwyn adds: “So sorry to see Balvinder go. She’s been amazing, and what a display of tenacity and determination! I voted for her but mostly for Kaz, who is also amazing. It’s been so lovely to watch both of them improve (I’m not going to use the ‘j’ word) to a level which has delighted and surprised everyone, including themselves. Nothing would make me happier than to see Kaz lift the trophy next week!”
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On Balvinder Sopal, ReclinedPotato says: “By rights. Balvinder has had a better journey than George. It’s a quirk of dance and song selection that has given the bloke with a mystery job a timely leg up into the final. Can’t help but feel this is unfair on Bal.”
Jagadox says: “So no surprises there then. I’m sorry to see Bal go. She may not be the best dancer but by god, she showed true grit throughout all those dance-offs.”
AndyPandy21 says: “Balvinder and Julian. What can we say about a wonderful couple who have survived so many dance-offs? They have brought us such joy. I have loved watching them. Balvinder, you have become a beautiful dancer. And Julian, what great coaching and dancing in your first season.”
Shazza2704 adds: “Balvinder has been what Strictly is all about. An absolute trouper. She has been so elegant, humble and funny. Julian too is a find, what a gent. Gutted they have left.”
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On the newly qualified finalists, Bigted1980 says: “George is wearing my school tie! Ousedale, Newport Pagnell, 1990ish.”
Phoebe says: “Dear Strictly organisers, please, please, for the first time ever, get a bumper supply of sparkly tissues in the Clauditorium for Carlos and Karen next week. There will be floods of tears and I cannot bear to see Carlos using Claud’s sleeve again.”
TheMathDiva adds: “So we have George, Karen and Amber in the final. The judges will award too many 10s and heap praise upon them all, Amber will probably get 10s all night, but I rather suspect she won’t win because, you know, the ‘journey’. Will it be George or will it be Karen? No way of knowing. I just hope it’s entertaining. So often the final has been an anti-climax. Then we wait to find out who will replace Tess and Claud. We all know they can’t be replaced though, don’t we?”
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On the Tess-and-Claud farewell, wtrukus says: “Oh, I’m going to miss the two of them so much. They are so perfect together and perfect for the show.”
pubbore says: “I thought he was going to say they get joint custody of Kai.”
Gardener_Maidhc says: “What, who was that woman? Tess? Really how? Baby Claudia!!!! So pale, barely fringed.”
emilyscatnaps adds: “God, I love Claud and Tessbot! What a fabulous pair of joyful women, making the Strictly experience so much more enjoyable as the years have gone on. Thank you to both of you for being utterly brilliant and quite bonkers (looking at you in particular. Claudia). You really have been AH MAY ZING. You’re going to leave big sparkly heels to fill for whoever comes in… (Zoe Ball, is that you knocking on the door to the studio?)“
Somersetlass says: “The general consensus on Bluesky re Kylie’s song is that it’s one of the worst Christmas songs ever, and also an instant earworm.”
ReclinedPotato adds: “Does Miss Minogue suffer from dry flaky skin, otherwise known as X M A (eczema)? If so, we have two things in common.”
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Readers’ results show verdicts are in
A rapidfire round-up of your semi-final thoughts. Storm says: “My TV is becoming a fire hazard from all the padding that’s going into it.”
MartGray says: “Last night we had the final show interviews a week early, now it’s the judges’ best bits? Are they cancelling the final?”
EastofStratford says: “I am glad they did the Claud/Tess thing this week. Next week belongs to the winner. How annoying, though, that both of them - and Kylie for that matter – both look better than they did 20 years ago.”
fihema adds: “Both newbie pros have earned their place in the troupe, haven’t they? Well done, Alexis and Julian. Julian has been an amazing partner for Bal, and seems like a genuinely nice guy. Alexis looks like the next fireball female pro a la Katya. We’ll see. But hats off to both. (And who on earth still says ‘hats off’?).”
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Tess and Claud’s leaving do: first leg
They seemed as surprised as we were. This results show featured a poignant farewell to departing co-hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. I suppose it made sense for them to get a send-off this week. They’ve always insisted that Strictly is about the couples, not them. They wouldn’t want to take attention away from the glitterball winners next week.
We’ll get two more chances to bid the beloved duo a dusty-eyed goodbye. After their live swansong in Saturday’s grand final, the dream team will fully bow out with the Christmas Special, which was prerecorded this week. Expect millions of viewers to be quietly weeping into their Quality Street tins.
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Salsa claimed its fourth victim
Would Bal have fared any better if she’d chosen to reprise her waltz? It’s probably academic but Balvinder Sopal became this year’s fourth celebrity to perform a salsa in the dance-off and lose.
Lewis Cope befell the same fate only last week. Chris Robshaw and Thomas Skinner went out on salsa early in the series. The Cuban party style seems to be Strictly’s new dance of death.
In fact, only two contestants have been sent home after a ballroom number this year: Ellie Goldstein (tango) and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (American smooth). Approach Latin at your peril, celebrities.
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Three finalists, two potential champions
We now have our three Strictly 2025 finalists. Next week’s showpiece climax will be contested by Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, George Clarke and Alexis Warr, and Karen Carney and Carlos Gu. They’re three of the four highest-scoring couples in the competition - the controversially eliminated Lewis Cope and Katya Jones are the outliers - so it’s a worthy trio.
Unless Amber enjoys a surge in popularity over the next week, it looks like a straight shoutout between Karen and George for the glitterball trophy. Bookies currently have George as the marginal favourite but not by much. It’s all to dance for next Saturday and we’re totally here for it.
Jules the gent had a dream debut
In his first series on the UK show, Australian professional Julian Caillon made a great impression. Partnered with Balvinder Sopal, the likeable couple had quite the rollercoaster ride, with six dance-offs in 12 weeks.
They can pride themselves on setting a new Strictly record by surviving five of them - testament to their strong bond and fighting spirit. Other pairs would have buckled under such sustained pressure but they took it on the chin and eventually thrived on it. They had cracking chemistry and Julian shed tears of pride at the end.
The Sydney-born pro has been a total gentleman - warm and supportive to his celebrity partner, modest enough to learn from her too, and an all-round treat to watch. He even got to bow out in front of his mum, who’d flown around the world to cheer him on this weekend. What a credit to her he is. See ya next year, mate.
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From foxtrots to festive films
TV viewers can stay tuned to BBC1 for The War Between The Land & The Sea or flip to Channel 4 for the semi-final of Game Of Wool: Britain’s Best Knitter.
At 9pm, there’s new travelogue, Accidental Tourist on ITV1 or Alicia Silverstone-starring mystery drama Irish Blood on Sky Witness. At 10.15pm, Super-Pumped: The Battle for Uber is on ITV1.
Film-wise, pick from The Holiday (8.30pm on BBC2), Love Actually (9pm on ITV2), Good Luck to You, Leo Grande (9pm on Film4), Donnie Brasco (9pm on Legend) and Crazy Rich Asians (10.35pm on BBC2).
I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love actually is all around…
Is Amber just too good to win?
It took something special to see off Balvinder Sopal, this year’s dance-off destroyer. But when she came up against the Amber Davies, the jig was up. Amber has scored three 40s in her last four routines, dropping just three points out of a possible 160. Whoever was drawn against her in this year’s last dance-off was pretty much guaranteed to lose.
Yet despite being the contest’s highest scorer, averaging a whopping 35.5 points per dance across the series, Amber remains the rank outsider for the glitterball trophy. There have been rumblings all series about her being a ringer with too much prior dance experience. These have come home to roost in the home stretch. She’s tumbled into the bottom two for two weeks in a row. Voting stats suggest she hasn’t won over the public and won’t get sufficient backing in the final, which is decided by viewer votes alone.
Her partner Nikita Kuzmin made an impassioned plea on Amber’s behalf last night, tearfully telling her: “You have had so much hate, every single day from the moment you joined. You are so caring. I speak to the audience at home – please be kind, because it costs nothing and Amber doesn’t deserve none of that. All you deserve is love.”
He’s right. Online trolling is never justified. Yet Amber looks destined to join the ranks of Strictly finalists who were glitterball-worthy hoofers but didn’t win our hearts.
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A reader pays tribute to Amber
An email just in Daryl J:
Amber and Nikita had the best dance of this series with their Couple’s Choice. They couldn’t have done any more. How they ended up in the dance-off is beyond me. Perhaps she is too good?
A dance-off too far for Bal the great survivor
Well, she would have been one of the most unlikely finalists in Strictly history. In the end, EastEnders actor Balvinder Sopal fell agonisingly short of going all the way but what a journey™ she’s been on.
Consigned to her first dance-off way back in week three, she became the first ever contestant to survive five, beating Jamelia’s record of four. She’s spent the past two months as bookies’ favourite for elimination every weekend but has defied the odds time and again.
When she came up against the near-perfect Amber Davies and her 40-pointer, the sixth time proved fatal but bulletproof Bal has been a comeback queen for the ages. It took grit, courage, mental strength and a cast iron relationship with pro partner Julian Caillon for Bal to keep bouncing back and not lose confidence. Even here, she said it would be a n honour to dance again, while Amber sportingly called her “our own dance-off assassin”. The fact that she lasted nearly the whole series, despite those knock-backs, should be a source of pride.
Balvinder was a truly lovely dancer. Always musical, fluid and graceful, with high performance levels, her own style, and especially elegant arms and hands. Her highlights were her week two Charleston - the first of the series - her Argentine tango in Blackpool, coming runner-up in the inaugural Instant Dance challenge and her exquisite Viennese waltz in Musicals Week. She also broke new ground with her Punjabi-flavoured Couple’s Choice, complete with the ballroom’s first ever dhol drummer.
Balvinder was a Strictly superfan who palpably relished taking part in her favourite show. Going from Walford to Waltzford, from duff-duffs to cha-chas, she’s been an inspiration and one of the stories of the series. What a woman.
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Bal and Julian’s last dance
As the departing pair take a farewell spin around the floor to Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion (what no Anyone Can Fall In Love? by Anita Dobson), the credits roll and their castmates crowd around for group hugs. Please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
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“Everyone’s been brilliant,” adds Balvinder. “The minute you walk into this building, it’s like a massive hug. It’s such a wonderful place to work. Thank you to the judges. Claud and Tess, I’m grateful that I got to be on the show on your last moment here as well, because you, for me, are what Strictly is about. You’re the era of Len Goodman and Bruce Forsyth. That’s when I started watching it. For me, that’s really special. This year has been full of so many serendipitous moments. I’m so lucky and very happy.”
Lovely use of serendipitous and all.
Jules returns the compliment
Balvinder’s pro partner Julian Baillon says: “I just think that Bal embodies what this competition is about. Her spirit is unbreakable. You have shown me that I’m actually dreaming too small. Bal can inspire us. Whatever any of us want in life, all you need is the desire to go after it. It took six dance-offs and a perfect score to take this lady out. I am so, so proud of you!”
Bless that big-hearted, handsome man.
Ballroom Bal takes her bow
In her exit interview with Tess Daly, Bavinder says: “I’ve absolutely adored every single minute. All the dance-offs, all the challenges, but more than anything, just being in this building and dancing on this floor with such an amazing human being. It was my Yes Year and I said yes to Strictly. My family’s had some hard times but they’ve been here.
“I have no words about Julian, actually. You’ve been brilliant in every sense of the word. When I wobbled or when I felt really brilliant about the dance and got the steps right, you’ve just held me in your hands and gone, ‘Bal, we’ve got this. It’s just me and you, and we’re gonna do this together.’ And we have done every single dance together, I’ve never felt alone on this floor. I just want you to remember me. Don’t replace me too soon!”
Beautifully said, Bal. Bravo.
Craig Revel Horwood agrees
It’s unanimous. Craig’s casting vote isn’t needed but he would also have saved Amber and Nikita.
Balvinder Sopal is eliminated
Dramatic EastEnders-style doof-doofs as Bal becomes the 12th and last celebrity to depart the Strictly 2025 dancefloor.
Anton du Beke chooses to save…
Amber and Nikita, saying “Balvinder is like a different woman in a dance-off and danced amazingly but Amber brought such quality and refinement”.
Head judge Shirley Ballas chooses to save…
Amber and Nikita, saying “two top-class ladies”.
Motsi Mabuse chooses to save…
Amber and Nikita, saying “beautiful dancing by both but I want to see them in the final”.
Verdict time
Probably a foregone conclusion but let’s go over to the panel whose decision counts.
Three of the judges scored Amber one point more than Balvinder last night but Craig saw a two-point difference - and remember he has the casting vote.
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Amber takes her turn
Amber Davies and her pro partner Nikita Kuzmin reprise their jazzy and theatrical Couple’s Choice to RAYE’s version of Fly Me to the Moon. The judges said last night that it was Hollywood all the way and up there with the best Strictly dances.
It scored a perfect 40, her third maximum in three weeks and five points more than Balvinder. Surely only glaring mistakes or falling over can lose it for her?
Balvinder goes first in dance-off
First up, Balvinder Sopal and her pro partner Julian Caillon have another go at their salsa to Rhythm Is Gonna Get You/Get On Your Feet by Gloria Estefan. The judges said last night that it was rhythmic and fearless with great precision and timing but with some stop-start transitions and lacked fluidity in and out of the lifts.
It scored 35 points, five fewer than Amber’s Couple’s Choice. Can Bal improve sufficiently to close the gap and hope that Amber makes some epic mistakes?
The combo of late 80s indie and ballroom dancing is working surprisingly well.
Have you been touched by Madness? Well, there was that incident with Suggs.
Choreographic accompaniment comes from Aljaz, Luba, Kai and Lauren.
Singer Tim Booth seems to have turned into Ben Kingsley.
Sit down in sympathy, semi-finalists
Time for this week’s musical interlude from indie rockers James, performing their Madchester-era classic Sit Down.
The lyrics were originally inspired by singer Patti Smith and author Doris Lessing, but Liverpool FC fans more recently adopted the song as a chant about striker Mohamed Salah.
George and Alexis’ showdance will be to Human by The Killers. Or are we dancer?
George says “it doesn’t feel real”.
He says he’s “discovered a lot about himself”, learnt to let loose and not care.
Karen "feels like a competition winner"
Up in the Clauditorium, the newly minted Strictly finalists chat with La Winkle. Karen Carney is sweetly, screamingly thrilled. Carlos says he’s become part of Karen’s family. They tease their showdance to Inner Smile by Texas.
Balvinder faces Amber in the dance-off
Balvinder Sopal and her pro partner Julian Caillon are in their sixth dance-off. They’ve survived five, the most in Strictly history, and must now do it again. A tall order to beat a dance that scored a perfect 40.
Amber in dance-off for third time
Which means she’s slipped into the bottom two again. Amber Davies and her pro partner Nikita Kuzmin are in the dance-off for the second week running and third time overall.
Karen Carney is a Strictly finalist
Quite right too, especially after the former Lioness topped the semi-final scores. Cue Carlos Gu bursting into tears. Again. Bless him.
George Clarke is a Strictly finalist
The YouTuber and his partner Alexis Warr progress to the final. Impressive for new US pro Alexis in her debut series.
Red light of doom for one last time
The scarlet spotlight is having one last hurrah. Hold tight. It’s time to find out who’s a Strictly 2025 finalist and who must dance again in the climactic dance-off this year. The prize? A coveted spot in the Strictly final.
With help from Kai Widdrington, the judges then award Tess and Claud their own first-of-their-kind trophies. Golden glitterballs! Oi, they’ve been reading our Saturday night liveblogs. Not a dry eye in the house.
“They will keep dancing,” concludes Craig. “Badly.”
Hacker T Dog! Just normal men.
“They’re Anton’s own teeth.” Classic moment. Dave Arch kisscam. Also classique.
There are tribute interviews with the judges and footage from their early years alongside Sir Bruce Forsyth. Also, fezes.
The pair are shown a highlights package of their decades working on the show. Blimey, they all look young. Baby-faced Tess! Fresh, funny Claud! Tiny Anton! Craig with frosted tips! Where did the time go?
Craig leads the tributes, terribly sweetly. Claud just wants Dave Arch.
Tess and Claud’s sparkly surprise
Aww. A surprise for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman now, ahead of their departure from hosting duties after this year’s Christmas special.
A montage of the judges’ best bits on-screen now. They’re not half bad, are they?
Anton explains why he gave out four 10s last night. He doesn’t mention sherry-fuelled overexcitement.
“One of the best semi-finals we’ve ever had,” says Shirley, who is partial to a spot of hoofing hyperbole.
Dance debrief
For the last time this year - and indeed, ever - the judges perch on Claudia’s teal banquette of badinage for a closer look at last night’s routines.
Even the judges joined in with X-M-A-S scoring paddles. Craig looked especially delighted by this development.
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Lots of challenging armography and positively teeming with Christmassy trimmings. There are presents, candy canes, tinsel-ography and a glitterball snowman who is revealed to be… Neil Jones. Of course it is. We can’t get him out of our heads.
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Kai Widdrington and Nancy Xu (#justicefornancy) kick things off and inspire the others to join in.
Choreographed by triple Emmy-winner Mandy Moore of La La Land and Eras Tour fame, it’s a cross between jive and street-commercial. Blue and pink outfits for a Barbie-esque cartoon feel.
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Blimey O’Riley, it’s Kylie
This one’s especially for you. Time for a fabulously festive performance from Kylie Minogue of her new single XMAS, accompanied by 16 Strictly pros.
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The judging panel take their floorside seats. They’ll be making their last dance-off decision of the year shortly. No pressure, scoresome foursome.
Semi-final action rewound
A recap of Saturday night’s live show on-screen now. Perfect 10s! High emotion! Loads of waltzes and salsas! Slightly too much Michael Bublé!
Our Strictly stars™
Our four pro-celebrity pairings nervously wait to find out who has secured a place in the grand final. We can tell from their outfits what they’ll perform in the dance-off if need be.
Frockwatch
Here come our co-hosts, so time for one of our last ever couture comparisons. Tess Daly is in a pink sparkly jumpsuit. Claudia Winkleman is black sequinned skirt with silky black shirt. A sartorial score draw seems only fair.
Cue clap-along credits
This is the second-from-last time we’ll see these familiar faces, cheeky moves and cheesy grins. Drink it in, dance fans.
And we’re off!
We open with a backstage VT from last night. Julian Caillon’s salsa six-pack! George Clarke’s Will from Inbetweeners cosplay! Floaty frocks! Tumnus trousers!
Mull a beverage, prise open another door on your chocolate advent calendar and take your sofa seats. We’re about to head back over to the Elstree Studios ballroom…
Strictly comes home and sits down
Musical guests tonight are Mancunian indie rockers James - not boyband 5ive, as previously announced.
A rejigged running order means that Abs, Jay, Ritchie and, er, the other two will now appear in next Saturday’s final. And fittingly, it’s five minutes until showtime…
The Secret Story of Kingdom, going behind the scenes of the wildlife series, just wrapping up on BBC1. Unsung conservationist heroes aplenty in Zambia. Some of them dogs. Not long to wait now…
Craig gets the casting vote
It was announced in last night’s live show that this week’s potentially crucial dance-off vote goes to Craig Revel Horwood. A safe pair of hands for a big decision.
Buckle up, it’s just 10 minutes until the glitterball starts shimmering again…
Dance-off pick is down to the couples
Because they performed two routines apiece last night, the bottom two can choose to reprise their favourite routine for the eliminator. It should be a fairly clear choice for Amber Davies or George Clarke, who both scored more for their second dance.
However, Karen Carney and Balvinder Sopal scored the same for both numbers, so it might be a tougher call. Just 15 minutes to wait now…
The pros should be so lucky (lucky, lucky, lucky)
No less than Kylie Minogue joins the Strictly professionals tonight for a special group performance. It will mark the pop pocket rocket’s fourth appearance in the ballroom. Well, better the devil you know.
It’s 20 minutes until that ba-ba-da theme tune…
Could resilient Bal’s run come to an end?
Coming into this weekend, bookies’ odds-on favourite for elimination yet again was Balvinder Sopal. She duly finished bottom of the judges’ scoreboard, albeit only by a two-point margin. Viewer votes lifted her clear of danger last weekend. Will they come to her aid again and save her from a history-making sixth dance-off?
Half an hour until we get our first hoofing hints…
Who’ll reach the final and who’ll fall heartbreakingly short?
Gird your Latin and ballroom loins for the last results show of the series. Nobody wants to miss out on the grand glitterball final but sadly one couple has to. It’s a cruel choreographic world.
Good evening and welcome to the week 12 results show of Strictly Come Dancing 2025. I’m Michael, your cyber dance partner for semi-final decision time. Please watch along with me as we find out who’s skipping straight through to the final and who’s doomed to face this year’s last dreaded dance-off.
Last night, our four surviving pro-celebrity pairs tackled two full routines for the first time in their bid to make it to the showpiece final. Karen Carney finished top of the leaderboard with 78 points out of a possible 80 - just two Craig Revel Horwood nines away from perfection. Amber Davies was just one point behind.
Down the bottom was Balvinder Sopal, with George Clarke just above. But will voting viewers agree? And who will face the agony of the last dance-off, where the prize is a coveted spot in the Strictly final?
It’s results showtime at 7.45pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 7.15pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and the odd raised eyebrow. So pour yourself a winter warmer and I’ll see you on the sofa.
As ever, I’d love to hear from you too. You can tweet/“X” me @michaelhogan, contact me on Bluesky or Threads @michaelhogan100, email me michael.hogan.freelance@guardian.co.uk and the comments section below is open for for semi-final conflab. I’ll shoulder-shimmy down there whenever possible to see what you’re saying and quote it up top.
It’s the highest-stakes results show of the series. One pair’s heart is about to be broken beneath the glitterball. Nearly time to staaaaaart dancing into the final!
Thank you and a glittery goodnight
That concludes Saturday’s semi-final liveblog but please feel free to continue the ballroom badinage in the comments below. Meet you back here tomorrow for this year’s last results show. It airs at 7.45pm Sunday on BBC1, featuring music from 5ive and Kylie. Not together. That would be weird.
I’ll spark up the blog at 7.15pm for build-up, so please rejoin me then. In the meantime, I’m @michaelhogan on Twitter/X and @michaelhogan100 pretty much everywhere else, so please feel free to say hi or something less savoury.
As always, thanks for watching along with me. See you tomorrow but in the meantime, you know the deal by now: keeeeeep dancing! Goodnight and take care.
A tear-sodden semi-final with too much padding but some great dancing.
And left intriguingly poised. Thoughts? Predictions? I predict a Balvinder vs Amber dance-off with only one result….
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Finally, on Karen Carney, ladyglencora says: “Kaz’s best ballroom dance by a country mile. What a finish! Bit dusty in here.”
Poppieshen says: “That was gawjus from Kaz and Carlos. Graceful and the softness the judges wanted was there in spades. Beautiful dress, as well.”
LegTheory says: “Carlos is such a great partner for Karen. She looked really nervous and he made her smile and calmed her down.”
ReclinedPotato says: “Oh Karen. Yes, yes, yes, what an utter triumph that waltz was. Soft and fluid, full of grace, you are a woman transformed! Tears are being shed.”
joanieloves says: “Love Karen, she’s my winner no matter what. Have also warmed more to Carlos with her - she’s matched his energy and he’s been more engaging because of this. Fabulous.”
DochkiMateri says: “Can you imagine how many tears Carlos will shed if they win the glitterball? Flood warning will be necessary.”
G1adys says: “That’s both feet in the final for Karen. And one hand on the glitterball?”
fihema says: “Karen is so good. We’d seen a lot of those moves before from Karen, but the level of confidence, the professional polish, that felt new, that felt perfect. Ten years from now, if someone watches the clip on YouTube, I’m not sure they’ll know which one was the celeb. And Carlos has soooo grown on me this season. What a partnership.”
diamondcat says: “Carlos, you’re right. When Karen dances, we all feel delight and joy. What more could you ask for?”
IvanTiger says: “Karen is excellent on her own and what a fun. complex dance. Great stuff. Her hairy trews are distracting, though.”
EmmyHarb adds: “I think Karen’s trousers were Mr Tumnus’s work pair as they had that pinstripe down the side.”
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On George Clarke, indigoviolet says: “Oh dear god, I think George may have come a bit too far out of that shell of his now.”
diamondcat says: “The start of his samba was a bit stompy but the table top stuff was brill.”
ReclinedPotato says: “George dancing on top of that table like a constipated flamingo, proper entertainment!”
Jockette61 says: “That was so infectiously joyous. Lost all his inhibitions forever, hopefully.”
yorkshirecoast says: “Okay, George just made me smile for the first time this week! Might chuck him a vote. I have no idea what he does but that’s down to my age. Besides, I had a strop the first time they had a Youtuber on and it turned out to be lovely Joe Sugg so I soon got over it.”
Heartticker says: “George undermarked there, he deserved a ten for the entertainment value alone. It was better than Bal, but as usual the judges love to score everyone the same.”
Phoebe says: “I love a Charleston and that was great from George. He seems to have woken up this week and decided he actually does want to really take part in this competition. Shame he has left it so late to show us what he can do and how much he enjoys doing it.”
Somersetlass says: “George actually seemed to be in character for that! Wonderfully kooky stuff and some decent swivel, but a couple of the lifts looked a bit dodgy.”
Pancake01 says: “Oh, that could have been so good. I felt George was really let down by the choreography there. Too much messin’ abaht and too many lifts. He had good swivel and should have done some more proper Charleston steps. Alexis is suffering from inexperience as a pro.”
MikeMoonlight adds: “Apparently, George’s Inbetweeners dance will, of course, be discussed at length in tomorrow’s Dance Debriefcase W*nker segment.”
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On Amber Davies, Phoebe says: “Dark blue (very nice) costumes against a gloomy and navy blue background - yet again, so we cannot clearly see the dancing.”
Jennifera030 says: “That was pretty awesome but I still think Nikita might not be the best partner for her. No real connection.”
LegTheory says: “That tango felt like the top had been left off and the fizz had gone out of it.”
NanaNootka says: “Amber seems a better dancer than Nikita!”
styletraveller says: “Oh well, that’s Amber through to the final. The judges can’t row back from that now. She will be through on merit but it means the final loses à contestant who has been on the fabled journey. And Amber goes into it knowing she stands no chance of winning, which must be really difficult.”
VelvetinaB adds: “Well said, Nikita. She doesn’t deserve all the hate. Anyone can not love her, but the reported hate towards her is completely out of order. What a weight to carry every week.”
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On Balvinder Sopal, styletraveller says: “Love how Bal has grown into this series. She has learnt to dance in front of our eyes.”
YodaknowsAll says: “Bal just needed a little more hip action in that salsa. The sass and performance were there, however. Good lifts too.”
LegTheory says: “Anton gave some good advice last week to focus on one dance more than the other, which could serve as the DO dance if needed. Balvinder maybe doing that.”
HelenaHandcart says: “Nobody mentions that you can see Bal counting out loud ALL the time. I remember Rob Rinder getting criticised for his face and Jennifer Gibney was criticised for singing along.”
TheMathDiva says: “Julian is quite right. Balvinder’s had the biggest journey and has demonstrated so much determination. She deserves a final place imo.”
Poppieshen adds: “A warm welcome for the Strictly Lamppost making possibly its final appearance this year.”
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Did Craig not get Carlos and Vito confused after all? MsChuffy says: “Was Craig’s Vito comment aimed at the balcony? They have been super present heckling during the judging this series!”
Readers’ semi-final verdicts are in
Here’s a quickfire vox pop of your comments. G1adys says: “Eek, unnecessary padding. Still, plenty of glass-filling opportunities to look forward to.”
Gardener_Maidhc says: “I really dislike this ‘talk up the celeb to get into the final’ part. Just too icky, mawkish, over the top emoting.”
VelvetinaB says: “Utterly ridiculous for Shirley and Anton to give Amber and Bal the same score. I love Bal and her tenacity and I’ve been honest that I don’t wholly warm to Amber, but she deserved more than Bal in her scores.”
SnailyWhaley says: “Loved that, love Karen but those 10s are surely a score for the journey rather than the end product? However. if the judges want to indulge in overscoring. I’ll happily take it for Karen.”
TobiasElias adds: “The judges, bar Craig, are scoring this week like it’s the final when their votes don’t count. Ridiculous overmarking throughout.”
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Your penultimate set of Golden Glitterballs
It’s the second-from-last time we’ll hand out our coveted liveblog prizes this year. Here are this week’s lucky gong-getters…
Best dance: Karen’s waltz for me.
Worst dance: Nothing scored below 35 points, so no obvious honkers but let’s say George’s samba.
Best music choice: Can’t resist a Gloria Estefan medley.
Worst music choice: Too much Bublé.
Best outfit: Both Balvinder’s frocks, Amber’s midnight blue velvet tango gown and Karen’s silver waltz dress. Loved her giving a shout-out to “costume team for making me feel beautiful”.
Worst outfit: Karen’s salsa trousers. Like Mr Tumnus (fake Christmas tree edition).
Best VT: Karen’s mum surprising her in training. Lip wobbles chez moi.
Worst VT: Amber’s description of Love Island as “a beautiful opportunity”.
Best judges’ comment: A couple of pearlers from Anton, harking back to Karen’s week two tango being “a bag of spanners” and: “To coin a phrase from my lovely friend Motsi, you’re impress-nable.”
Best Claudia quip: She was in sincere mood for this semi-final, preferring to let the couples shine.
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You knew this was coming but hey, it’s Christmas and a liveblogger’s got to make rent. Looking for a stocking-filler or Secret Santa present under a tenner? Perhaps for someone who likes dogs/cosy crime/seaside towns/jokes? May I humbly suggest my debut novel. I’m very happy to sign or personalise copies, too. Just get in touch.
Waltz me up before you go-go
TV viewers can now stay on BBC1 for Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel, flip to Channel 4 for Sandi’s Great Riviera Rail Trip or head to BBC2 for Christmas Hits: The Videos that Sleighed on BBC2, which segues neatly into Wham! night. A crowded room, friends with tired eyes. I’m hiding from you and your soul of ice. Enduring image.
At 9.05pm, it’s the Wild Cherry finale on BBC1, I’m A Celebrity: Coming Out on ITV1 or The Queen’s Last Christmas Message: Farewell to the Nation on Channel 5. Gawd bless yer, ma’am.
Film-wise, take your pick from Elf (8.05pm on Sky Showcase), Scandal (9pm on Talking Pictures), Meet Joe Black (9pm on Great TV) or The Batman (10.25pm on ITV1). You sit on a throne of lies.
Semi-final leaderboard in full
When the scores for both routines are added together, Karen Carney tops the leaderboard, with Amber Davies in second spot.
Down the bottom is Balvinder Sopal with George Clarke just two points above. But will the public vote turns that on its head again?
Tess and Claud tell us to “Keeeeeep dancing!” for one of the last times ever. Sniff. As the credits roll, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
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Casting vote goes to…
The last deciding dance-off vote of the series will be from… Craig! No safer hands for me. Wonder if they’ll keep this innovation next series? It’s hardly been a game-changer.
Double dances rewound
A recap of the night’s eight routines on-screen now. Which worthy finalists are you voting for? Which ballroom bridesmaids are you probz not?
Voting is… pause for effect… open!
Online-only, of course. Sorry, Buzby, the British Telecom talking bird (showing my age there). Placard-waving, prop-laden chaos ensues.
Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 10, 10 for a total of 37 points. Third place out of the four semi-finalists.
Judges’ comments: Anton does his noises thing and says “man alive, your partnering and timing was in perfect harmony, this was the best of you”. Craig says “a little heavy-footed but loved all the lifts and brilliant swivel”. Motsi says “you’re a great partner, a man that’s there for you, well done”. Shirley concludes “listen to mummy here, there were hundreds of small, subtle details, your best number yet”. I smell another 39-pointer…
George and Alexis’ Charleston
George Clarke and pro partner Alexis Warr have two pacy, full-on dances this week but the Charleston should suit him. He’s playing nerdy Will from the Inbetweeners for this goofy, school disco-themed number. Glasses on, briefcase wanker status intact and fully embracing the character. Lacking a little bounce, maybe, but letting himself go for full-on kookiness. He’s got the fun factor but has he got that all-important swivel? I think so, plus some robotics. An ambitious lift went a little lumpy but in synch and a lovely comedic number.
Song: We No Speak Americano by Yolanda Be Cool. The 2010 electro-swing hit - which appeared on The Inbetweeners Movie soundtrack, of course - was also the Charleston tune for Mark Wright and Karen Hauer in the 2014 series.
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Carlos has come into his own this series, thanks to Karen.
Judges’ scores: 9, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. Same as her last dance. Top as it stands, one point ahead of Amber.
Judges’ comments: Motsi says “I wanted to jump up and join you, fabulous”. Shirley says “magical performance, outstnading balance, grit and determination, you gave it everything and I loved it”. Anton says “no regrets, my love, you’ve laid it all there and treated it like the final, out of this world”. Craig concludes “a little bit skippy and a little hiatus getting up from the floor spin”. He calls Carlos “Vito” by mistake. Awkward. Nine and three 10s again?
Karen and Carlos’ salsa
Fast, upbeat numbers tend to suit former footballer Karen Carney with her firecracker energy. Looking fierce in a white tasselled trouser suit with corset top and matching panama hats. Good synchronicity in the side-by-side sections. Strong connection with partner Carlos Gu. “Shaking what her momma gave her,” like she said after last week’s samba. More disco than Cuban and gets out of synch a tad towards the end but bags of non-stop fun.
Song: Turn the Beat Around by Vicki Sue Robinson. The Grammy-nominated 1976 disco hit was later covered by Laura Branigan and Gloria Estefan.
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“You’ve had so much hate,” Nikita tells Amber. OK, mate, keep it light.
Judges’ scores: 10, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 40 points. Three maximums in three weeks.
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Judges’ comments: Craig says “Hollywood all the way, glam, gorge, you’re a-may-zing”. Motsi says “really special, out of this world, up there with the best Strictly dances”. Shirley says “light on your feet, beautiful in every way”. Anton concludes “remind me of Vera-Ellen from White Christmas, spectacular, preferred it to your Charleston”. A perfect 40 incoming, surely?
Amber and Nikita’s Couple’s Choice
Amber Davies and her pro partner Nikita Kuzmin are the last pair in this series to do a Couple’s Choice. Could she make it three perfect 40s in three weeks? Silhouetted moonlit opening with er descending on a rope swing. He’s in a silver sparkly dress and he’s in a white suit. Putting on a proper show for this showbizzy ballroom and theatre-jazz number. Amber loves to be lifted and she’s barely touching the floor at times, spending half her time in the air. Energetic with lots of running around. Back bends. Tough choreography but she’s making it look effortless. Side-by-side synchronicity and partner work on-point. Musical theatre incarnate. A proper celebration with plenty of wow factor.
Song: Fly Me to the Moon by Raye. The soul-pop diva’s version of the 1950s jazz standard. Fiona Fullerton and a certain Anton Du Beke danced an American Smooth to the original 12 years ago.
Julian is just lovely, isn’t he?
Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points. Same as her first dance and her joint best again.
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Judges’ comments: Shirley says “you set a stunning mood, sincere, lovely standing spin and sense of line”. Anton says “natural feel about your dancing, legs have improved so much, your timing and feel is of the highest quality”. Craig says “lacked a little finesse and footwork needed fine-tuning, getting up from the floor was dishevelled, darling, but love the chemistry and solid partnership”. Motsi concludes “impressed with your spine, detailed and refined, worked together well”. An eight and three nines again, maybe?
Balvinder and Julian’s waltz
EastEnders actor Balvinder Sopal, the comeback queen, notched her highest score with last week’s Viennese and can build on that success here, although the international waltz is slow with differences in technique. Parisian setting. Looking lovely in a red sparkly frock, spinning and flowing around the floor with partner Julian Caillon. Rise, fall and slow. Smooth glide and romantic mood. Some showbizzy American smooth flourishes and a floor slide with an ungainly dismount. Snowflakes fall for a spinning finish.
Song: At This Moment by Michael Bublé. His 2009 take on the 1981 blue-eyed soul song which became a hit after featuring on US sitcom Family Ties. Michael J Fox once said: “Tracy [Pollan, his wife, who he met on the show] and I couldn’t get on the dancefloor anywhere in the world in the first 10 years of our marriage without them playing it.”
Tell us about the Charleston, George? “It’s got a jacket.” So there’s something to look forward to, layer fans.
Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points. Joint bottom with Bal at the midway mark.
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Judges’ comments: Roof blown off the ballroom by the applause. Craig says “you let loose, darling, I’ve never seen tighter trousers, I was losing all sense of focus but bent knees and what it lacked in technique it made up for in entertainment, a real crowd-pleaser”. Motsi says “you shook those hips, cheeky and fearless”. Shirley says “posture got out of line but spectacular rolls, hips went 10 to the dozen, routine wasn’t easy but you did it beautifully”. Anton concludes “I barely recognised it, straighten your knee but lovely twinkling bottom action, magnificent to behold”. Eights and nines, do we think?
George and Alexis’ samba
Content creator™ George Clarke brings the carnival for his Rio samba. Both in flouncy flame-red costumes, with partner Alexis Warr in a ruffled, frilly dress. The samba has a similar feel to the salsa, for which he scored 39 points in Blackpool. The samba is often tricky for celebrity males but he’s got it at the right stage of the contest and should have the confidence for it now. Guitar-ography to open, then rips off his jacket, shakes his hips and gets his groove on. Pelvic thrusts and flamenco sections on a table. Showboats to the judges. Lacking a little fluidity, rotation and bounce action, perhaps, but he’s enjoying himself and it’s infectious. Streamers fall. He’s come on loads.
Song: Volare by Gipsy Kings. Their version of the 1958 Italian standard which came third in the third ever Eurovision Song Contest. Georgia May Foote and Kym Marsh also danced Strictly sambas to it.
Judges’ scores: 9, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. Top so far.
Judges’ comments: Rousing reception in the studio. Carlos is tearful. Anton says “I got a bit emotional, never knew you could dance like that, quality, softness and sensitivity, my heart skips a beat at your journey”. Craig says “left elbow and head placement issues but it had flow and elegance, very beautiful”. Motsi says “I couldn’t recognise you, biggest growth in contest, beautiful connection, you’ve showed anything is possible”. Shirley concludes “rise and fall was exceptional, just where it needed to be for a semi-final”. Nines and 10s en route?
Karen and Carlos’ waltz
Ex-Lioness Karen Carney has already fared better than any footballer in Strictly history. Can she go one week further? She hasn’t done a traditional ballroom number since way back in week four, incredibly, and tends to find them more difficult than Latin. Romantic opening and soft feeling. Graceful and seamless. It takes work to look effortless. The judges will be looking out for those crucial heel leads. Decent position and posture as she glides around the floor in Carlos Gu’s arms. Some gapping and footwork issues, plus head position not quite right in places but lovely feel. They’re creating an intimate and emotional moment, staying in hold from start to finish. Sparks fly.
Song: One Moment in Time by Whitney Houston. Her 1988 ballad which was written as the anthem for that year’s Seoul Olympics. It was nominated for a Grammy but beaten by Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car. Gold medal-winning heptathlete Denise Lewis selected it as one of her Desert Island Discs.
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Judges’ scores: 9, 10, 9, 9 for a total of 37 points.
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Judges’ comments: Shirley says “beautiful balance , lacked a little passion but frame improving and showed us quality”. Anton says “much better shoulder line, open work brilliant but disconnected, lacked drive and hesitant in hold”. Craig says “unnecessarily harsh, you two, not much wrong with it, clean, passionate and full of purpose, loved the Argentine flashes.” Motsi concludes “agree with Craig, much improved and magnificent, you came back with a bang, girl”. Nines incoming? Even a 10?
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Amber and Nikita’s tango
Amber Davies went from top to bottom last week, so clearly needs to win over voting viewers. First up, she and partner Nikita Kuzmin get in hold for a dramatic ballroom number. She’s had problems with her frame before but says she feels more secure in the tango position. Chair-ography to start and almost Argentine moves, then into hold. Drama, passion and intensity. Bent knees for flat travel across the floor. Lots of little accents and details. High kicks and slo-mo sections. Smooth but sharp and precise with clipped staccato movements. Swivels, close body contact and changes of pace. Oof. A sizzler.
Song: Higher by Michael Bublé. The 2022 swing number was the title track to his 11th studio album, which included covers of Paul McCartney, Sam Cooke, Willie Nelson and Barry White.
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Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points. Same as last week and her joint highest. Julian’s mum has flown in from Australia to support him. Aww.
Judges’ comments: Motsi says “you gave us rhythm and more, loved your fearless attitude, soft and strong, you’re fighter”. Shirley says “I’m in shock, outstanding foot positions, immaculate precision and timing”. Anton says “you’ve set the benchmark and will take some beating”. Craig concludes “stop-start transitions, lacked fluidity in and out of lifts but you gave it your all, my darling”. An eight and three nines, do we reckon?
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Balvinder and Julian’s salsa
EastEnders actor Balvinder Sopal lets loose for a Cuban party dance. Bal should have grown in confidence after that personal best score and dodging the dreaded red light last week. Despite the salsa’s speed, she needs to keep her technique precise and stay on rhythm. Neon palm trees and lovely skirt, looking a bit like a blancmange. Loads of energy, with Bal taking centre stage right from the start. Rhythmic, powerful and fiery. Being thrown around in the lifts. Too much walking and fltying through the air, perhaps. Not earthy enough and lacking a little spicy sauce, perhaps, but bags of Miami disco fun and lovely connection with partner Julian Caillon. Upside down to finish.
Song: Rhythm Is Gonna Get You / Get on Your Feet by Gloria Estefan. A medley of two of the Latina pop queen’s late 80s hits.
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Our Strictly stars™
Our first sight of the four semi-finalist couple. Relatively restrained on the fancy dress front but Julian’s got his abs out. Nikita, surprisingly, hasn’t.
By jove, it’s the judges
A rare chance to see their legs as we welcome the paddle-raising panel. Motsi Mabuse is in shimmery lilac. Shirley Ballas in sparkly pewter, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood in their customary black tie. Anton’s floral affair looks like your nan’s curtains.
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Frockwatch
Our presenting duo sashay into view, so time for the regular gown rundown. Tess Daly is in a red floor-slength frock with a slit. Claudia Winkleman is in a golden glittery, rouched wrap dress. Unusual colour for her and we approve. Both fab-u-lous.
Cue clap-along credits
Tommy Bosh! Ross King! Rugby Chris! Other people we’d kind of forgotten were ever in the contest!
And we’re off!
Roll moody black-and-white VT to crank up the jeopardy. Nobody wants to fall agonisingly short of the final, naturally.
Do some light stretching from your seated sofa position. We’re about to go over live to the Elstree Studios ballroom…
Alan Carr’s Picturewang just drawing to a close on BBC1. I am, and have always been… a Traitor *bursts into tears, steals all the money, pops open another bottle of rosé*.
A mere five minutes to wait now…
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Justice for Ginger Neil
Cheering news from sister show Strictly: It Takes Two this week when Neil Jones not only won this year’s Pro Challenge but set a new world record in the process. He performed an impressive 58 samba whisks in 30 seconds to take the crown.
After twice finishing runner-up in the annual contest, our strawberry blond cult hero was endearingly thrilled to finally claim the trophy. As host Janette Manrara said: “The bridesmaid has become the bride.”
Now everyone’s got to keep up with the Jones. It’s a mere 10 minutes until the clock strikes sequins…
On your dance cards tonight
Of this evening’s eight routines, there are two overlaps, with Karen and Balvinder both performing a waltz and a salsa. A strange quirk of the dance roster.
There are also not one but two appearances on Dave Arch’s playlist from Michael Bublé, aka Mickey Bubbles. Well, I suppose it is nearly Christmas. Fifteen minutes until semi-final o’clock…
Eyes down for Strictly semi-final bingo
Tick them off when you spot them on screen! Take a drink for each! End up stoving into the Christmas Bailey’s and Babychams too early! Here’s your 10-point spotter’s guide for tonight’s proceedings…
Claudia gets everyone on the balcony to say the word “tablets” during the voting details
Mention of Lewis Cope’s departure last week gets sorrowful “awws” from the crowd
Celebrity insists “I never dreamt I’d make it this far in the competition”
Craig is roundly booed for raising his “nine” paddle
Mention of blister plasters/Epsom salts due to hard week’s training
Celebrity is told they have “turned-in toes” or “sickled feet”
Male pro refers to his partner as “this girl” or “this woman”
Tess Daly’s frock has some kind of superfluous asymmetry or strange neck detail
A pro is thrilled when one of their celebrity partner’s ballroom steps was appreciated by Anton
The glitterball trophy is in the studio and greeted with audience “oohs”
Tight at the top and bottom
It probably won’t surprise you to learn that Balvinder Sopal is bookies’ hot tip for elimination this week, with Amber Davies as second favourite.
Meanwhile, Karen Carney and George Clarke have drawn level as favourites to win the glitterball. It’s 25 minutes until ballroom blast-off…
Twice the workload, twice the pressure
A hectic week in the training studios this week, with our couples dividing their time between two routines. They’re wisely mixing up the pace with one slower ballroom dance and one Latin or speciality number - except for George Clarke, who has two fast, full-on styles. As the youngest semi-finalist, though, he should have the energy and stamina.
Half an hour until semi showtime…
Whose double dancing will earn them a place in the final?
Two more routines, one more public vote and you’re a finalist. It’s choreographic crunch time and the glitterball trophy is tantalisingly within grasp. Good evening and welcome to the semi-final weekend of Strictly Come Dancing 2025. I’m Michael, your cyber dance partner. I’d love you to watch along with me as our four remaining couples bid to reach this year’s grand final.
For the first time tonight, our pro-celebrity pairings tackle two full routines apiece, so it’s been a hectic week in the training rooms. Faced with this extra challenge, who will thrive and who will wilt? The judges have their last chance to influence proceedings this weekend. In next Saturday’s final, their scores will be for guidance only and it’s all down to viewer votes.
People’s favourite Karen Carney and the strongly supported George Clarke, neither of whom have ever been in the bottom two, look likely tips for the final. Amber Davies prevailed in last week’s dance-off, her second, and Balvinder Sopal has survived a record-breaking five, so they seem most in danger. However, Lewis Cope’s shock exit last week was a reminder that anything could happen.
It’s showtime at 6.35pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6.05pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and semi-sarky asides. So get cosy under the festive fairylights and I’ll see you on the sofa.
As always, I’d love to hear from you too. You can tweet me @michaelhogan, contact me on Bluesky or Threads @michaelhogan100, email me michael.hogan.freelance@guardian.co.uk and the comments section below is open for dance discourse. I’ll waltz and waft down there to see what you’re all saying and report some of your comments up top.
We’re into the last week and it’s time to peak. Nearly time to staaaaart double-dancing!
