Thank you and a glittery goodnight - for now
That concludes Saturday’s Cher-impersonating liveblog but we’ll be making an iconic comeback tomorrow. The results show airs at 7.15pm Sunday on BBC1. I’ll reboot the blog at 6.45pm for build-up, so I hope you’ll rejoin me then. In the meantime, I’m @michaelhogan on Twitter/X/the dark place, so please do rumba-walk over and give me a wave.
Thanks for watching along with me and your excellent company. You’re the real icons around here. Meet you here tomorrow to see 11 become 10.
In the meantime, therusual applies: keeeeeep dancing! Take care and don’t forget to put your clocks back. An extra hour’s sleep. Now that’s iconic. Night!
Before I take my leave, another quick mention of my debut novel The Dogwalkers’ Detective Agency, just published by Penguin Michael Joseph. If you like cosy crime, cute canines and jokes, you might just think it’s wag-u-lous. They’ve got a lot of leads. But can they collar a killer?
Lushattic says: “Well, that was a million times better than last week from La Voix. Such fun.”
IvanTiger says: “That was nice and peppy with great singing at the start. Good comeback, La Voix!”
Pancake01 says: “Loved it but mainly for the Cher-ography. Not much salsa going on, I thought.”
Outolokowski adds: “So much better. Could do with more extension and snap but otherwise, different dancer to last week. Good stuff.”
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Strictlylounging says: “Sometimes Mr Lounging has to pull my boots off and it looks totally like the opening to Amber Davies and Nikita’s routine.”
Somersetlass says: “Wow, Amber is so light on her feet. That was such a difficult routine and she didn’t put a foot wrong, as far as I could see.”
mutterful says: “Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is this year’s Krishnan, isn’t he?
Never going to win but totally embracing the whole thing.”
BoadiceaOverall adds: “Jimmy in a plum Plumbs stretch cover.”
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LekisP says: “That was great from Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. Usher attitude and Argentine tango moves, loved it.”
SaintJulieOfAndrews says: “How wonderful to see Karen dancing the AT at last.”
Phoebe says: “The lifts were rather laboured at times. It looked like Harry was bracing to heave a sack of potatoes onto his back.”
LazyMillennial adds: “Forgive me, but I am deeply suspect of an Argentine tango to Usher.”
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Pengonlina123 says: “Anton described Balvinder Sopal as being hesitant, but if you’d been in the dance-off for two weeks running, you might not be able to help yourself being hesitant!”
PodgytheBear says: “Wondering why Balvinder is not getting votes and that dance maybe answers it. It was OK but didn’t thrill me. Maybe it’s Julian’s choreography.”
YodaknowsAll says: “I loved that quickstep from Balvinder. A few mistakes, and the posture needs work, but the energy was fantastic.”
joanieloves adds: “Feel sorry for Balvinder. She’s good, has potential but newbie for partner and maybe her character on EastEnders isn’t liked. so she’s not getting the votes her dancing deserves?”
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Somersetlass says: “Some great synchronicity from Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrongton, and very sharp, but what an odd Couple’s Choice. It somehow left me cold.”
IvanTiger says: “Another weird Couples Choice. At least they’re in time.”
pubbore adds: “Is this not just the routine that Cheryl Cole did to this song on X Factor?”
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YodaknowsAll says: “Alex Kingston is turning into a really classy dancer. Her shoulders were a little raised at times, but the footwork and performance were superb.”
Haigin88 says: ‘Alex and Jojo might be the favourites for the whole thing. Alex looks very versatile and seems to enjoy everything in front of her.”
Pancake01 adds: “I love Alex. She is confident, knows her own worth, intelligent enough to know what she needs to learn and who to learn from. Obvious dedication to everything she does and commitment to getting it right. I’d like to be her when I grow up.”
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Strictlylounging says: “I think George is great but that jive was a bit ‘meh’ for me. Maybe the costumes and music, because he is good.”
Poppieshen says: “This feels less Harry Styles and more demented CBBC presenter. I couldn’t concentrate on the dance for the clashing background and outfits. Sorry. George.”
MartGray says: “Oh, Harry Styles? I was thinking Geoffrey from Rainbow.”
Audreyshandbag adds: “Been watching this bloke for weeks now and still haven’t seen any of his amazing spaces!”
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VictoriasSecret says: “I love Ellie Goldstein! And so impressed by her sense of rhythm. The synchronicity between Ellie and Vito is great. And I love how the judges encourage and yet still point out where she needs to improve. This couple bring me joy.”
SparklingDormouse says: “Brilliant from Ellie and Vito! Her dancing is improving so much. I think her styling in her top half is really good and her footwork so much better, although still a way to go. Plus I think they might be her first lifts which were great. Well done, both!”
jagadox adds: “Ellie’s best yet, I think. Bags of fun.”
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irreverentnurse says: “Lewis Cope manages to get his star jump into every dance. Has he done the waltz yet?”
Molly001 says: “Karen Carney, what a dark horse. Amazing rumba leg action, even if not perfect.”
SparklingDormouse says: Love Karen Carney, not her best but hopefully that’s the rumba out the way! Wonder if she needs a bit of acting guidance – tricky for a sportsperson – to help her get to the final?”
Somersetlass adds: “Karen Hauer looking gaw-jus with that wind machine. Floaty and elegant, with superb posture and legs.”
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Canterbury345 says: “Not seen this suggested anywhere but I think Mel Giedroyc would be good for Claudia’s role. She’s got a fun, cheeky side, but also a sense of curiosity to ask the right questions of the judges.”
AndyPandy21 says: “While we are about our Strictly business. Please could we have Hannah Waddingham as one of the new presenters, production team? Hannah is as iconic as Strictly, so a good match.”
RossWilliamQuinn adds: “For me, the next hosts have to be Zoe Ball and Anton DuBeke. And I don’t think it’s a coincidence we’ve started getting guests more frequently. Can see a rotating guest judge on the panel for the next series at least to replace AdB.”
ReclinedPotato says: “I can’t remember a series when so many celebs had to withdraw and now Tess ‘n’ Claude too. Who at the BBC went on mirror-smashing frenzy?”
emilyscatnaps adds: “Let us celebrate their fabulousness while we still have them: to Claud and Tessbot, our very own Riot Women! *raises a pint of gin. Sod the tonic, these are desperate times*”
Belette says: “Voting could be crucial this week as it looks very tight. Lots of similar marks being given out. La Voix is getting a vote from me for that one-word audition for Claudia’s job alone!”
Jennyloo says: “Don’t know if I’m just being grumpy but I’m not really feeling the Strictly magic this week. I think it’s the icons theme - akin to a jukebox musical where they try to shoehorn songs into a story and it doesn’t quite fit.”
Paperview adds: “Given that Anton has the casting vote this week, the way he’s been tossing out silly scores suggests that if the vote is split, he is going to make the wrong decision.”
Readers’ verdicts are in
Time for a rapidfire round-up of your thoughts. shazza2704 says “Shirley looks great as Shakin’ Stevens.”
Tanya92 says: “I thought Shirley had come as Danny Zuko!”
Aine183 says: “At first I thought she’d come as a very young Madonna.”
TeeDubyaBee adds “Shirley’s Alvin Stardust is missing the gloves with rings on top.”
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Lots of the judges’ critiques also seemed to be about the uneasy marriage of dance style, song and concept. See the Argentine tango to Usher, the salsa to Cher and the quickstep to Beyoncé. Not the celebrities’ fault, gang.
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A slightly flat show for me. Not helped by the samey level of dancing and a lack of standout routines. A seven-point gap between the top to the bottom of the scoreboard would suggest as much.
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It’s the properly iconic Golden Glitterballs
These awards are truly legendary. Here are the grateful recipients of this week’s liveblog gongs…
Best dance: Lewis Cope’s Johnny Cash quickstep was a cut above.
Worst dance: For me, the judges were over-generous to La Voix.
Best music choice: Some belters tonight – Happy Birthday, Dave Arch! – but Purple Rain was the standout.
Worst music choice: The more recent tunes were the most ropy. See Harry Styles and Ariana Grande.
Best outfit: Karen Carney’s rumba dress or Motsi’s Grace Jones look.
Worst outfit: George Clarke’s CBeebies presenter dungarees. Jimmy’s purple slacks didn’t do him any favours, mind you.
Best VT: Vicky Pattison’s soul-baring mini-doc about changing the narrative, mixed with quiet pride of her alcoholic father, was powerfully poignant.
Worst VT: Amber’s trip to Madame Tussauds.
Best judges’ comment: Craig telling La Voix it looked like she’d had a double hip replacement (projecting much?). La Voix shot back that Craig was the only judge who’d remember Cher’s career from the start. Miaow.
Best Claudia quip: Her traditional Auntie Joan quip to Anton Du Bowie, who retorted: “I was going more for La Voix.”
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From quicksteps to quizzes
You can now stay on BBC1 for the return of Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel (I’ve seen a preview and it’s a belting episode), head to ITV1 for rival quiz The 1% Club or flip to BBC2 for 40 Hidden Music Treasures At The BBC.
At 9.20pm, plane crash whodunnit Nine Bodies In A Mexican Morgue continues on BBC1 or there’s Five Days That Brought Down Prince Andrew on Channel 5.
Tonight’s film highlights are The Crime Is Mine (9pm on BBC4), Promising Young Woman (9pm on Sky Mix), Crocodile Dundee (9pm on 5Star), It (9pm on Sky Showcase) and Hot Fuzz (10pm on ITV4). That’s not a knife. *That’s* a knife.
That Icons Week leaderboard
Lewis Cope tops the scores, with Amber Davies and Vicky Pattison tied in second spot. George Clarke is at the bottom, surprisingly, with Ellie Goldstein, La Voix, Karen Carney and Balvinder Sopal all tied at just one point just above.
As always, though, the public vote helps decide which two pairs will face tomorrow night’s dance-off. It could be an anxious wait for over half the field.
As the fancy dress and bald caps are peeled off, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
Auntie Joan, sorry, Anton gets the casting vote tomorrow.
Credits roll
“Keeeeeep dancing,” trill Tess and Claud. “You’re my icon,” Claud tells Tess. Extra poignant under the circs. Don’t go, ladies!
Tonight’s routines get recapped on-screen. Which Stars In Their Eyes winners are you voting for? Which cruise ship cabaret acts are you definitely not?
And the vote is officially … open!
Prop-laden chaos ensues. Bald caps, for some unfathomable reason. Craig keeps a straight face. You know, the usual.
Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 7, 8 (oh Anton) for a total of 28 points. One of a cluster of couples tied at second bottom.
Judges’ comments: Motsi says “forget last week, much better, loved it”. Shirley says “definitely better than a two but still got on the wrong foot, wanted more rotation but fantastic improvement”. Anton says “embodied it, timing immaculate, a show number”. Craig concludes “lacked any hip rotation, loved the campness, youre a comeback queen because last week was so appalling”. Pick the bones out of that. Sixes and sevens?
La Voix and Aljaž’s salsa
Drag queen La Voix and partner Aljaž Škorjanec had a cha-cha dis-ah-ster last week, notching the lowest ever week four score and finishing bottom of the scoreboard by a long way. She needs to bounce back and who better to inhabit than one of her favourite divas? Singing section to start – messin’ abaht as Len would have it – then into a disco number with not enough salsa. A busy routine with bags of steps. Flashes of her mischievous humour. Camper than Christmas in a rainbow tent.
Song: Strong Enough by Cher. The disco-style follow-up to 1998 single Believe was widely compared to Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive. You might not be terribly surprised to learn that it’s been covered by Steps.
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Judges’ scores: 7, 8, 7, 8 for a total of 30 points. His highest score.
Judges’ comments: Anton says “kept your frame, impressed by your legs but mistakes, sloshing about, woof, wham”. Noises not judging. Craig says “danced underneath yourself, lacked drive but timing magnificent, wonderful seeing a different side of you”. Motsi says “loved the wat you move and work hard on technique, got lighter in the middle, sell it better”. Shirley concludes “I’m in and out on this, flat footed and bottom out, lost your way a little but you could be a contender”. Mixed bag. Sevens and eights?
Jimmy and Lauren’s American smooth
Fresh from last week’s soca-style Couple’s Choice, former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is becoming quite the becoming an entertainer. One of this year’s surprise packages. Now he’s inhabiting his Royal Purpleness in a slightly unforgiving purple velvet suit. A foxtrot-style number with partner Lauren Oakley. Long strides, sweeping around the floor, but a little heavy looking. Footwork and posture not quite there but dynamic and dramatic, with the couple switching in and out of hold. Lifts with real wow factor.
Song: Purple Rain by Prince & The Revolution. The title track from his 1984 album and film soundtrack was kept off the US number one spot by Wham!’s Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go. Poignantly, it was the final song performed live by Prince, closing his last concert a week before his death in 2016.
Judges’ scores: 8, 8, 8, 9 for a total of 33 points. Generous from Anton. Joint second.
Judges’ comments: Shirley says “congratulations on those feet, wanted more straight legs, ooze and fluidity but dynamic”. Anton does an awkward demo time. Craig says “a little bit balletic but a great dance”. Motsi concludes “so close to a 10, just work on your lower half”. Eights are we saying?
Amber and Nikita’s cha cha cha
Amber Davies has Grande-sized shoes to fill here but the big swishy ponytail should help. Pro partner Nikita Kuzmin has been working hard on technique, especially her knees, feet and Cuban leg action. Intergalactic theme and tinfoil trousers in homage to the sci-fi video. Tricks and leggy spins. You wouldn’t guess it was a cha cha for the first 30 seconds, then got right into its stride. Sharp, confident and spectacular. The highest scoring cha-chas so far this series were from Jimmy and Karen, both scoring a modest 25 points. This is surely going to comfortably exceed that.
Song: Break Free by Ariana Grande. Her 2014 electro-pop single was widely compared to Robyn and became something of a gay club anthem.
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Judges’ scores: 6, 9, 7, 8 for a total of 30 points. Told you there’d be a three-point spread, just didn’t think it’d be that bonkers. Anyhoop, he’s fourth as it stands. Dapper dad, too.
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Judges’ comments: Craig says “you were walking through it, not entirely fond of the groove stuff but your energy worked against you, hammered it and ruined it”. Motsi says “you had control and connection, suave and let your partner shine”. Shirley says “awkwardly mixed with bump ‘n’ grind, not my cup of tea”. Anton concludes “I’m with Motsi, loved the style, terrific”. Judges divided. Scores could range from… five to eight?
Harry and Karen’s Argentine tango
His rumba made Motsi Mabuse come over all funny last week and now Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, aka Nitro from Gladiators, has another passionate number. It’s long-serving pro Karen Hauer’s first Argentine tango for 13 years, incredibly. Her last one was with Westlife’s Nicky Byrne in 2012 and scored 30 points. Opening full of oomph. Intensity, intimacy and sensuality in close hold. Plenty of power, purpose and intent. Spaghetti legs and strong angles. Swagger in the solo sections. Lacking a little artistry and precision, perhaps, but a sizzler. Hoo-hah.
Song: Caught Up by Usher. His 2005 hip-grinding single from the R&B lover man who once dated supermodel Naomi Campbell.
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La Voix auditions for Claudia’s job. BBC bigwigs take note.
Judges’ scores: 7, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 28 points. Same as Ellie and Karen.
Judges’ comments: Shirley says “newly confident in the solo sections but frame and footwork needs work”. Anton says “loved the vibe but looked a little hesitant in the footwork, stride out and convince me”. Craig says “needed a more elegant topline, trying to keep up but loved this version of you”. Motsi concludes “improved all round and taking steps forward, don’t be disheartened”. Balvinder is emotional. Any hesitancy surely understandable after two consecutive dance-offs. And Craig’s criticism was more about the concept jarring with the dance style than Balvinder herself.
Balvinder and Julian’s quickstep
After undeserved back-to-back dance-offs, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal needs to be a survivor like Beyoncé herself. She’s sporting an embellished, fringed denim jacket with corset and sparkly hat. Podium moment to start, then into a country-tinged quickstep with a line-dancing and lasso interludes. Some slightly awkward shapes early on and skirt hiding her footwork at times but fast, energetic, bouncy bright and light. Charleston flicks and kicks. A proper hoedown and huge, frothy fun.
Song: Texas Hold ‘Em by Beyoncé. The lead single from last year’s Cowboy Carter album, which reclaimed country music as a black genre, became Queen Bey’s first UK chart-topper for 14 years.
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Judges’ scores: 8, 8, 8, 9 for a total of 33 points. Gets a video message from Cheryl and Vicky is, in her own words, thrilled to ribbons. Her best yet and second place as it stands. Clutched in a cuddle with Karen Carney on the balcony. Aww. I’m thrilled to ribbons on her behalf.
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Judges’ comments: Motsi says “you’ve never performed better, your best dance, conviction, commitment”. Shirley says “full of intent and focus, best dance so far”. Anton says “you’d never have been able to dance this three weeks ago, you’re on a journey, amazing”. Craig concludes “slightly out of sync and energy didn’t match, but my goodness, clean and precise”. Eights and maybe a nine en route?
Vicky and Kai’s Couple’s Choice
Vicky Pattison is one of only two celebrities to have improved their scores every week (the other is Ellie Goldstein). She’s chuffed to be channelling one of her heroes, fellow Geordie lass Cheryl Cole, who grew up just five minutes from Vicky. This routine was put together by Beth Honan, who choreographed the real Cheryl video. Black-and-red military styling. Street-commercial with lots of solo and side-by-side sections. Stronger arms like the judges wanted. Fast, powerful and precise. Can she score in the 30s for the first time? She certainly should
Song: Fight For This Love by Cheryl. Her debut solo single was compared to Janet Jackson. The red Balmain jacket Cheryl sported in the video sold out upon its release.
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Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 6, 8 for a total of 27 points. Lowest score from the five dances so far. George admits this has been a hard week.
Judges’ comments: Craig says “a bit flat-footed and stompy but you are so watchable”. Motsi says “dipped towards the end, work on consistency and concentration”. Shirley says “good swing and partnering skills but mistakes quite apparent”. Anton concludes “the odd flaw but a super performance”. Slight dip for George. Sevens?
George and Alexis’ jive
“Content creator” George Clarke has scored 30 or 31 points for the past three weeks. He’s hotly tipped as a finalist so can he go up a level and convert those eights into nines? Embodying the pop heartthrob and former One Directioner might help. Kitschy dungarees and retro set dressing. Lots of well-synchronised side-by-side with partner Alexis Warr. Sharp footwork with snap and spring in his kicks. Keeping it compact, clear and clean. Flagged and lost sync a little towards the end but bright and big fun.
Song: As It Was by Harry Styles. It was the biggest-selling global single of 2022 and spent 15 weeks at the top of the American chart, becoming the longest-running US number one by a UK act.
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Judges’ scores: 7, 8, 8, 9 for a total of 32 points. La Voix arranged a voice message from Dame Dolly herself. Well connected.
Judges’ comments: Anton says “divine, your leg speed was perfect, immaculate heel turns, completely loved it”. Craig says “went a bit wrong, a bit of gapping but maintained frame and your musicality is a sensation”. Motsi says “ease and effortlessness, floating on air but use the standing leg and fill the music”. Shirley concludes “light as a feather, nail your footwork and you’re a potential finalist”. Eights and a nine from Anton?
Alex and Jojo’s foxtrot
Time for last week’s leaderboard toppers, actor Alex Kingston and her pro partner Johannes Radebe. High expectations now. She’s swapping her rumba queen crown for a Dolly wig and flowing floral prairie dress. Starts sitting outside a Tennessee-style diner set, then into hold for a sweet, floaty foxtrot. Alex is always great at characterisation and storytelling, so themed weeks suit her. The judges will be hoping for gliding movement and no gapping. Not sure they’ll be entirely happy but otherwise lovely. Her scores have ranged from four to 10. That’s surely at the upper end.
Song: Here You Come Again by Dolly Parton. The 1977 single became Dolly’s first big pop crossover hit but she insisted steel guitar was added to keep her country credibility.
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Judges’ scores: 6, 8, 7, 7 for a total of 28 points. Emma “Baby Spice” Bunton sends her a sweet video message, telling Ellie she’s a “superstar”. Also, I’d quite like her ring light.
Judges’ comments: Craig says “loved the energy but needed more hip rotation and smoother transitions, otherwise incredible”. Motsi says “personality and connection, improving so much, you are a force”. Shirley says “loved the solo opening and execution of lifts, you never make mistakes”. Anton concludes “so much to enjoy, nailing your timing and lit up the whole place, keep going”. Sevens? Maybe an eight?
Ellie and Vito’s salsa
After last week’s joyous Couple’s Choice, it’s an equally upbeat number for Ellie Goldstein and her partner Vito Coppola. She’s playing Baby Spice for this energetic party dance. Green screen with Ellie as the other four Spicies, which is a neat gimmick. Splits, dips, drops. Packed with tricks and lifts. Floor spins and shoulder shimmies. Fun and sparkly. Lacking a little Cuban spice and salsa flavour, maybe, but bags of fun and you can’t fault her performance levels. Turning into a dancer before our eyes. Brilliant. Zig-a-zig-ah!
Song: Spice Girls Medley. Who Do You Think You Are, which features highly here, was the song that opened the 1997 Brit Awards with Geri Halliwell in that now-legendary Union Jack dress.
Judges’ scores: 7, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 28 points. Poor Kaz is “a bit gutted” but happier now. Claudia doing a band-up job cheering her up.
Judges’ comments: Shirley says “executed the walks very well, went wobbly in the middle, point your toes and add details but enjoyed it”. Anton says “danced very well but you got a bit tense and off-balance, just lacked breathing”. Craig says “smooth it out, lacked fluidity and free arm placement but lovely straight legs”. Motsi concludes “used leg action well, be confident and let your body go”. Sevens, are we saying?
Karen and Carlos’ rumba
Former Lioness Karen Carney has excelled at high-energy dances. This is the first time she’s slowed it down. She’s been working hard on fluidity, hip movement and foot control. The rumba is partner Carlos Gu’s favourite dance and Karen has surprised herself by loving it too. Wind machine on and a floor drag. Looking leggy in a beaded black dress with flouncy chiffon black cape. Rhythmic and romantic but not quite grounded and rotational enough. Still, did well with a difficult dance style.
Song: Think Twice by Céline Dion.The 1994 soft rock smash won an Ivor Novello Award and topped the chart for seven weeks, selling over 1m copies in the UK alone.
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Judges’ scores: 9, 9, 8, 8 for a total of 34 points. Setting a high bar.
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Judges’ comments: Motsi says “on top, worked with the music and changes of pace, perfect start”. Shirley says “a little back-weighted”, coordinate all body parts but I was pleased with that”. Anton says “great, just smarten your form and the sky is the limit”. Craig concludes “tiny bit of gapping and topline needs sorting out”. Eights and maybe a nine incoming?
Lewis and Katya’s quickstep
“Ping” has been this week’s word in training as partner Katya Jones encouraged actor Lewis Cope to pull up his spine and lengthen his posture. A guitar-wielding impression at the top of the routine – he’s a huge Johnny Cash fan, so will have relished that – before launching into a fast, furious and playful routine, with Katya playing Johnny’s second wife, June Carter Cash. Clean footwork, great synchronisation and non-stop frothy fun. Lewis is the highest scoring celebrity of the series so far but still hadn’t got a 10 for a ballroom number. Just saying. Air riff to finish.
Song: Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash. The Man In Black’s 1963 hit was co-written by his later wife June, who was inspired by seeing the line “Love is like a burning ring of fire” underlined in a book of Elizabethan poetry owned by her uncle. It had a resurgence in popularity after appearing in a 1993 Levi’s ad.
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A fleeting but bittersweet mention at the top of the show for Tess and Claud’s Christmas departure but they wisely didn’t dwell and kept the focus on tonight’s show. Plenty of time for that later.
Our Strictly stars™
Our couples come out for a welcome wave and it’s a veritable fancy dress party! Stetsons! Wigs! Purple suits! Stick-on ponytails! Military caps! Bacofoil trousers!
Paddle-raising panel in the house
The judges make their big entrance. Fancy dress for them too. Craig Revel Horwood is John Lennon, Motsi Mabuse is Grace, Shirley Ballas is Elvis Presley and Anton Du Beke is David Bowie. Although somehow he always ends up looking like Claudia’s Auntie Joan at Christmas. Don’t go changing, Claud.
Frockwatch
Our hosts arrive after a big week – no more taking them for granted, let’s appreciate them while we can – so let’s do our weekly frock-off. Tess Daly is in a halterneck blue satin dress. Claudia Winkleman is white silk shirt and black dress. A rare win for Tess?
Cue clapalong credits
Four male celebs have left us so far. Thomas Skinner, Ross King and Chris Robshaw were knocked out, then Stefan Dennis was stretchered off. Who’s next?
And we’re off!
Roll the usual scene-setting montage with the Icons theme being flogged already.
Bums on seats and drinks in hands, please. We’re about to be beamed over live to Elstree Studios…
On your dance cards tonight
Another eclectic mix of styles this week. We’ll see two quicksteps, two salsas and only the second Argentine tango of the series. A mere five minutes until the spangly curtain comes up…
Amanda Holden-hosted quiz The Celebrity Inner Circle just wrapping up on BBC1. There always seems to be a Strictly alumna or two among the guests and this week, it’s Charlotte Hawkins (out third in 2017) and Sam Quek (lasted until mid-series last year).
The Halloween Spooktacular beckons
Two themed weeks in a row, which is a rare. The couples are bidding to get through to the annual Halloween special next weekend. Hair, make-up, wardrobe and set dressers are in for a busy fortnight.
Just 10 minutes until the glittery curtain comes up….
Can Balvinder dodge a dance-off hat-trick?
Balvinder Sopal and La Voix are bookies’ strong favourites for the boot this week. Can they defy the odds? Not long until we get our first choreographic clues…
Eyes down, it’s Icons Week bingo
Tick ‘em off when you spot ‘em! Take a drink for each! End up asleep in the Jag because you’re locked out! Here’s tonight’s 10-point spotter’s checklist:
Judges’ gravitas somewhat undermined by them being in distracting fancy dress
Tear-stained reference to this week’s Tess and Claud announcement
The word “iconic” is flogged to within an inch of its life
Male dancer forgets to fasten the buttons on his shirt
Celebrity unconvincingly insists that their designated icon is their favourite artist of all time
Momentary confusion that Claudia isn’t wearing fingerless gloves or presiding over a round table
Steamy rumba/Argentine tangos makes the judges come over a bit funny
Mention of next week’s Halloween Spooktacular accompanied by thunderclaps/spooky sound effects
Departure of Stefan Dennis due to injury is completely overshadowed by Tess and Claud standing down
Bandleader Dave Arch has also dressed up, even though he looks slightly sheepish about it
“Icon” status - discuss!
Where do we stand on tonight’s so-called icons? Prince, Cher, Spice Girls, Beyoncé, Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash are all fine by me.
I’m not entirely convinced by Céline Dion, Cheryl or Usher but am prepared to hear your arguments. Fifteen minutes until the glittery gong strikes…
Stefan stretchered off to Erinsborough Hospital
You’ve got to feel a bit sorry for poor Stefan Dennis. The Tess and Claud shocker meant his own announcement tumbled way down the news agenda. But at the start of the week, the Neighbours star was forced to withdraw from the contest due to a torn calf muscle. Strewth, mate, sounds painful.
Stefan at least got to go out on a relative high, after scoring a personal best of 26 points for last week’s Charleston. His partner Dianne Buswell, the reigning pro champion, will be much missed.
We’re now one couple short but I very much doubt there will be a weekend where nobody is eliminated. Some fans have also called for last week’s departee, Chris Robshaw, to be reinstated but that wouldn’t seem fair either. Presumably we’ll instead have a three-way final, rather than a four-way one. Works for me. Twenty minutes until that ba-ba-da theme tune…
A big glittery goodbye to Claudia and Tess
It’s the end of a hoofing era. Thursday morning saw co-presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announce in a joint statement that they will hang up their sparkly mics at the end of the current series.
Both have served an epic stint in the BBC ballroom. Tess has helmed the show since the very first episode 21 years ago. Claudia has been by her side for the last 11 series but was part of the Strictly family long before that, having helmed spin-off show It Takes Two for six years, then taking over the Sunday results show from Sir Bruce Forsyth in 2010.
After steering the sparkly ship so well for so long, they’ve both earned the right to get their weekends back. As they said in their joint statement: “We will cry when we say the last ‘keep dancing’ but we will continue to say it to each other. Just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza.”
As the first female duo to present a primetime franchise, the pair not only broke the TV glass ceiling but became part of the fabric of all our weekends. It truly is a landmark moment but at least the beloved duo have the next eight weeks – plus the Christmas special – as a well-deserved victory lap. Let’s save most of our tributes and tears for December.
Inevitably, conversation has already turned to the dream duo’s potential replacements. Who do you fancy? Rylan and Zoe Ball would be up there for me. Or possibly Alison Hammond, Alan Carr, AJ Odudu and Fleur East. I’d love to hear your thoughts. It’s 25 minutes until showtime….
Stars In Their Eyes with extra sequins. Yes, it’s Icons Week!
The Elstree Studios dressing-up box is out again. But who will fly and who will flop in Icons Week? Good evening and welcome to the fifth live weekend of Strictly Come Dancing 2025. I’m Michael, your virtual dance partner for tonight’s themed extravaganza. You are cordially invited to watch along with me as our 11 surviving pro-celebrity pairings hit the Elstree dancefloor once more.
It’s been a tumultuous week in the BBC ballroom. On Monday, we had an injury withdrawal from Stefan Dennis. This was followed by far bigger news on Thursday when co-hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced that they’d be stepping down at the end of this series. Sob. More on both of those stories shortly.
Last week saw 10s and congratulatory kisses at the top of the leaderboard but the lowest ever week four score at the opposite end. Rugby player Chris Robshaw eventually departed the dancefloor with Balvinder Sopal narrowly surviving, thanks to Craig Revel Horwood’s casting vote. In a rollercoaster contest, it’s all to dance for.
Tonight the surviving 11 couples perform routines paying tribute to some of the greatest music legends of all time. From Cher to Cheryl, from Prince to Dolly Parton, from Harry Styles to the Spice Girls, it’s going to be like Top Of The Pops with added hip action.
It’s showtime at 6.25pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 5.55pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and frankly iconic asides. So dust down your Guinness Book Of Hit Singles, fire up your Shazam app and see you on the sofa.
As ever, 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 back open for iconic interaction. I’ll foxtrot down there intermittently to see what you’re all saying, and quote your wit and wisdom up top. Please don’t be shy about sharing your thoughts.
It’s week five and it’s thrillingly live. Nearly time to staaaart iconic dancing!
