Strictly Come Dancing was back on BBC One for week eight, but professional dancer Amy Dowden will not be returning for the remainder of the series.
Dowden, who was partnered with JLS singer JB Gill, was replaced by Lauren Oakley, after the former was rushed to hospital, having fallen ill during a live show. The Welsh dancer, 34, had returned to competing in the BBC show for its 20th anniversary series following cancer treatment.
Dowden clarified that her “insufficiency stress fracture” had “nothing to do with any previous health scares”.
The action-packed episode saw the nine remaining celebrities fighting not just for their place in the compeititon, but to dance in the Blackpool Tower ballroom as next week’s live episode takes place in the iconic venue.
Plenty of the stars upped their game, including Pete Wicks — who landed his highest score yet (and left one of the judges choking back tears) with a Couple’s Choice routine dedicated to his late grandmother.
Earlier this week, the series has been plagued by rumours that fan-favourite Johannes Radebe is set to quit, after several outlets reported that his schedule for 2025 would mean he would be too busy to participate.
He is billed to star in Kinky Boots: The Musical for the first half of the year while he works on a film adaptation of his life story. Radebe hit back at the claims, writing “I’m not going anywhere!” in a post on Instagram.
Last week, Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin were eliminated as they lost out to Radebe and Montell Douglas after placing in the bottom two following a public vote.
KEY POINTS
- Johannes Radebe responds to exit rumours
- Strictly star Amy Dowden’s health journey as she is replaced by Lauren Oakley
- Sarah Hadland wows with incredible lifts
- Pete Wicks lands his highest score of the series
- Chris McCausland closes the show with his Couple’s Choice
Why isn’t Amy Dowden competing on Strictly Come Dancing and who is her replacement?
13:06 , Maira ButtEllie Muir reports:
Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden won’t feature in the remainder of the dancing competition due to injury.
The 34-year-old dancer was rushed to hospital as a “precaution” on 26 October, but it was later revealed she had sustained a stress fracture in her shin, which requires several weeks of rest.
Her replacement is professional dancer Lauren Oakley, who has stepped in to dance with Dowden’s celebrity partner, the JLS singer JB Gill.
Oakley, who came eighth when partnered with Channel 4 News presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy in the show’s previous season, did not have a partner this year. She joined the show in 2022.
“I’m absolutely gutted, I need to rest for a couple of weeks,” Dowden said on It Takes Two. “Hopefully I will be back dancing, hopefully in a group number by the end of the series. Fingers crossed.”
Why isn’t Amy Dowden competing on Strictly Come Dancing and who is her replacement?
Strictly star Johannes Radebe denies rumours he is leaving dancing show
13:30 , Maira ButtThe 37-year-old ballroom dancer, who is currently partnered with Gladiators star Montell Douglas in the series, shared a post on social media to squash any ideas of him leaving the series next year.
In a video uploaded to his Instagram on Thursday, the dancer shared a video of himself in a training studio singing, “I’m going nowhere…. It’s a lie.”
He then joked and danced with Douglas in rehearsal, telling the camera: “Why they tell lies about me?”
He wrote in the post’s caption: “I’m not going nowhere! The story isn’t true – I love @bbcstrictly and I want to do this beautiful show for as long as they want me – and the body will allow.”
Johannes Radebe denies rumours about leaving Strictly Come Dancing
Strictly ‘to axe five professionals’ as BBC bosses ‘want fresh start’
14:08 , Maira ButtA handful of Strictly Come Dancing’s longest-serving professionals are “at risk” of being axed from the show as the BBC looks towards “a fresh start”.
After a wave of allegations surfaced about the behaviour of the show’s professional dancers earlier this year, reports suggest that bosses intend to bring a new generation of younger ballroom dancers to freshen up its image – leaving five names at risk of being dropped.
According to The Sun, those at risk of being dropped are reportedly some of the show’s longest-standing pros, including Nadiya Bychkova, who joined the show in 2017, Neil Jones (2016), Karen Hauer (2012), Gorka Marquez (2016) and Katya Jones (2016).
Read the full story below
Strictly ‘to axe five professionals’ as BBC bosses ‘want fresh start’
Why isn’t Amy Dowden competing on Strictly Come Dancing and who is her replacement?
15:00 , Maira ButtThe 34-year-old dancer was rushed to hospital as a “precaution” on 26 October, but it was later revealed she had sustained a stress fracture in her shin, which requires several weeks of rest.
Her replacement is professional dancer Lauren Oakley, who has stepped in to dance with Dowden’s celebrity partner, the JLS singer JB Gill.
Oakley, who came eighth when partnered with Channel 4 News presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy in the show’s previous season, did not have a partner this year. She joined the show in 2022.
“I’m absolutely gutted, I need to rest for a couple of weeks,” Dowden said on It Takes Two. “Hopefully I will be back dancing, hopefully in a group number by the end of the series. Fingers crossed.”
Read the full story below
Why isn’t Amy Dowden competing on Strictly Come Dancing and who is her replacement?
Amy Dowden gives health update in first TV interview after hospital dash
15:57 , Maira ButtTearful Amy Dowden hints she may make a sensational Strictly return
16:30 , Maira ButtAmy Dowden has hinted that she could return to Strictly Come Dancing for a group number after suffering a shin injury.
The 34-year-old was rushed to hospital as a “precaution” on 26 October and did not perform on the Saturday night show on 2 November. She was replaced by fellow professional dancer Lauren Oakley as celebrity JB Gill’s dance partner.
She got emotional in an appearance on the BBC’s It Takes Two: “I’m absolutely gutted. Unfortunately, I have a stress fracture on my shin. I’m absolutely gutted, I need to rest for a couple of weeks.
“Hopefully I will be back dancing, hopefully in a group number by the end of the series. Fingers crossed.”
Read the full story below
Tearful Amy Dowden hints she may make a sensational Strictly return
Strictly Come Dancing 2024 couples – full list of celebrities and their partners
17:00 , Maira ButtIt’s Strictly season, and by now, all the stars have been through dozens of hours of intense training and performing, and know their respective pro dancers pretty well.
The reality competition series returned to our screens on 14 September, with a launch show in which the celebrity contestants learnt which professional dancers they would be coupled up with.
Meet your Strictly Come Dancing couples below…
All of the Strictly stars with previous dance experience, from Tasha Ghouri to JB Gill
17:30 , Maira ButtAs many of the celebrities competing on Strictly are actors, singers and performers, a large number of them will have trained in dance or theatrical performance.
Those contestants are often subject to backlash from viewers at home who argue that they have an unfair advantage compared to the other contestants.
There is also criticism that the inclusion of these celebrities means that the amateur dancing show has become more competitive in recent years. Last year, Layton Williams faced similar complaints from viewers who claimed he had an unfair advantage due to his dance experience performing in West End productions.
All of the Strictly stars with dance experience, from Tasha Ghouri to JB Gill
The sixth Strictly contestant eliminated in last week’s show
18:08 , Maira ButtFormer Olympic hockey player Sam Quek and her professional dance partner Nikita Kuzmin wrre the latest couple to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing.
Last Saturday’s episode saw the dance couples compete in the first ever Icons Week, dancing to songs by legendary musical acts such as The Beatles, George Michael, Bruno Mars, Queen, Madonna and Shirley Bassey.
And we’re off!
18:35 , Rachel McGrathHere we go! There are just nine couples left in the competition and tonight, they’re fighting it out not just for their spots in the competition, but to dance in the Blackpool special next week.
We have two Couple’s Choice routines on the schedule along with what could be a seriously high-scoring Argentine Tango and another Rumba. Buckle up, it should be a great evening.
Tasha opens the show
18:43 , Rachel McGrathTasha’s Couple’s Choice was absolutely beautiful. I really thought she was going to land the first 40 of the series but Craig wasn’t feeling like reaching the 10 paddle.
Tasha had been dreading the Quickstep but it suits her. And this routine has a lot of quickstepping in it which is sure to please the judges. I’m out of breath just from watching it.
Judges disagree over Tasha’s dance
18:46 , Rachel McGrathOoo, we’ve got our first disagreement from the judges of the evening.
“You got all your steps in for the day,” said Anton before Craig claimed the routine was “a little bit safe”.
Motsi didn’t think so though, and countered that it had “everything”.
“That was full on dancing,” said Shirley. “You offered everything we need to see in a Quickstep. That’s the kind of performance that gets you to the one and only Blackpool ballroom.”
Tasha’s scores are in...
18:47 , Rachel McGrathShe’s landed an 8 from Craig, 10s from Motsi and Shirley, and a 9 from Anton, for a total of 37. A very strong start.
Shayne’s up next
18:52 , Rachel McGrathYou know what? The Rumba has grown on me this year. In the past, I’ve found them a little boring (sorry, Shirley) but the professionals are upped their game with the choreography and storytelling.
Shayne (like most celebs) said in his VT that he’s found the Rumba hard but he looks pretty confident on the dancefloor and Nancy looks beautiful, as always.
Shirley’s verdict on Shayne’s Rumba
18:54 , Rachel McGrathLet’s be honest, only one judge’s comments matter on a Rumba: Shirley Ballas’s.
The Queen of the Rumba said: “You had some beatiful sections in the middle. I was a bit conflicted because on certain parts you were ab solutely outstanding, but when you stood still, you didn’t quite that sway.
“What I love is the chermistry between you’re, it’s really developing.”
Shayne’s scores are in...
18:57 , Rachel McGrathTwo 7s and two 8s give him a total of 30.
Sarah’s sentimental song choice
18:59 , Rachel McGrathThis is an inspired song choice that will no doubt bring joy to Miranda fans as in the sitcom, Sarah’s character Stevie uses a cardboard cutout of Heather Small and sings “Proud” to motivate her pal.
I very much enjoyed Sarah showing Miranda to her Italian partner, Vito (who presumably has absolutely no idea what it is).
Those lifts!
19:01 , Rachel McGrathSarah and Vito are so beautiful to watch, and goodness — those lifts. Absolutely stunning and very nerve-wracking to watch. Sarah clearly loves this routine so much, she’s absolutely beaming.
The judges are (mostly) loving Sarah’s performance
19:05 , Rachel McGrath“Your hands were bothering me,” said Craig, before cheering up a little and adding: “You are extremely talented. The cartwheel into that lift was spectacular.”
“There’s lifts and then there’s what you guys did,” said Motsi. “You’ve been so consistent.”
Shirley’s feeling picky though. “I’m a little conflicted on this, the timing is very good, the execution was very good but I saw issues with gaping when you came together. I still want neater smaller details because you are so good.” She’s asking for more chemistry between them on the dancefloor too. “You’re on the right track, you’re doing amazing but give me a few more details.”
Anton has soome constructive feedback too, asking Sarah to work on her upper body.
Can you tell it’s Blackpool next week? The judges are being very, very picky.
Sarah’s scores are in...
19:06 , Rachel McGrathShe’s landed 8s from the first three judges and a 9 from Anton, for a score of 33.
Pete’s dancing in honour of his nan
19:08 , Rachel McGrathThis is going to be a weepy one.
He explains in his VT: “This is the one dance I wanted to do from the start of this and it’s a tribute to someone who matters more than anyone, my nan.”
“There were so many happy and beautiful moments I had with her, as a friend and a safety net and a support, she was everything.” And he’s dancing to his nan’s favourite song too: Tina Turner’s “Simply The Best.”
Get the tissues ready, I reckon.
Will Pete land his best score yet?
19:14 , Rachel McGrathThat was lovely, wasn’t it? Pete really has transformed over the course of the series and actually looked like a decent dancer (which does sound harsh but come on... we all saw him in week one).
He’s doing his best to hold back tears now, as is Shirley. “I am a nan myself and just to see dedicate that to her... your heart shone through what you did, you were immersed in the music and the dancing, and that for me is what it’s all about.”
“All the bits I love about your dancing, you put on the floor,” Anton said, although his comments then got a bit weird as he broke through the emotion saying Pete’s arms “got a bit gammy” and he struggled when he “started actually dancing.”
“Besides all of the technical stuff, I thought it was moving and beautiful,’ said Craig. Motsi concluded: “We’ve seen all different sides of you and there’s a coolness about you. What I loved today is you showed us another side of you, you gave us a piece of your heart. I want to thank you for doing that.”
Pete’s scores are in...
19:17 , Rachel McGrathBut not before another emotional moment in the Clauditorium. “It’s been a tough week but the one person I wish was here is my nan and she’s not,” he said.
The scores? Pete should be very proud. He has his first 10 (thanks to Shirley) and his highest score yet, of 36.
JB Gill dances the Samba
19:19 , Rachel McGrathJB topped the leaderbaord and received his highest-score yet with his Couple’s Choice last week. The moment was bittersweet though, as he danced with Lauren Oakley as Amy Dowden had been forced to pull out due to injury. Sadly, it was this week confirmed Amy will not be able to return to the series and Lauren has now taken her place.
And the Samba suits him! He looks like he was having a blast and there’s no denying that there’s definite hip action.
JB is jolly brilliant
19:22 , Rachel McGrath“Someone’s opened the top of your head and filled you with snake oil,” Anton said, in what is surely one of the oddest critiques ever given.
Craig didn’t have anything bad to say either, quipping that JB stands for “jolly brilliant”. Could we see the first 40 of the series? Stay tuned...
JB’s scores are in...
19:24 , Rachel McGrathAnd it’s a 9s from Craig, Motsi, Shirley and a 10 from Anton! He’s got a total of 37, putting him joint top of the leaderboard.
Jamie’s Argentine Tango
19:28 , Rachel McGrathJamie has been desperate to dance the Argentine Tango and he clearly loves that he’s doing it to an Arctic Monkeys track (as do I).
I also love that he went to the West Ham training ground beforehand, which had absolutely nothing to do with the dance and everything to do with the fact he supports the team.
He’s bringing out all his acting skills in this routine, it’s certainly sensual and dramatic, as any great Argentine Tango should be. I’m a fan.
Judges pick apart Jamie’s dance
19:31 , Rachel McGrathThey’re really not holding back today.
“That was really hot,” said Motsi. “I love that connection that you guys built up What I had a bit of a problem with is what a little static... it got a little bit tight, but I can imagine what the nerves were doing.”
“I can appreciate your passion for the dance that’s for sure but it didn’t quite work for me this evening,” said Shirley. “You were stepping over your feet in all turning movements, which was throwing your balance off. You overtried a bit and for me it gave it a stiff feeling. It was just a little bit lumpy.”
And that was all before Craig got stuck in.
He said: “Balance issues throughout really. It was a little bit overplaced, you put yourself in position to rest there rather than move there. But you have gorgeous control and musicality.”
Jamie’s scores are in...
19:34 , Rachel McGrathGoing along the panel, a 7, an 8, a 7 and another 8 give him a total of 30.
It’s going to be really tough to predict who’ll end up in the dance-off this week.
Recap: Sarah’s lifts
19:35 , Rachel McGrathLet’s take another look at one of the best performances of the night so far...
Wynne’s joyous Quickstep
19:39 , Rachel McGrathLast week Wynne danced a Rumba and even sung at the end, and this week, he’s getting his groove on to Mika, while sporting a technicolour dreamcoat.
This is a joyous routine that really suits the opera singer! But will it be enough to land him a spot in the Blackpool special? The judges are certainly heaping praise on it.
“Wynne you are refining your craft,” Shirley said. “Your footwork is moving along nicely. What a wonderful performance.”
“Absolutely wonderful,” added Anton, though Craig thinks he “lacked style and grace”. “I love watching you dance,” he added. “I love your energy and your performance is absolutely brilliant.”
“You are living to your potential,” said Motsi. “You are absolutely giving your best.”
Wynne’s scores are in...
19:41 , Rachel McGrathHe’s received a 7, two 8s and a 9, for a total of 32. Not bad at all.
Montell bounces back from the dance-off
19:45 , Rachel McGrathMontell ended up in the dreaded dance-off last week, which felt a little unfair. Her Icons Week tribute to Whitney Houston had been a joy to watch and she’d ended up fourth on the leaderboard. Also can take a second her for and Johannes’s couple name? MoJo. That’s worth at least one extra point.
The Paso is her dance, clearly. Strong, powerful, packed with emotion. I’m not 100% sure how I felt about the music choice though... I’m not sure “Lola’s Theme” was quite right for this.
‘The warrior of the evening’
19:48 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges made of Montell’s dance (thankfully they loved the song choice).
“I actually loved it,” said Montell. “It was quite clear what you’re message was and it felt like, I am staying in this competition no matter what. There was fight and attack in every moment but still with class. It was so intense, I really, really liked that.”
“I think for me, you’re the warrior of the evening,” Shirley said.
Anton has resorted to just reading from his notebook. “I’ve written here, ‘I love acceleration’,” he says.
“Your foot was sickled, which is such a terrible shame because it wa almost perfect,” said Craig. “That was something else.”
Montell’s scores are in...
19:49 , Rachel McGrathAnd it’s 9s across the board! She should be very pleased with her total of 36.
Chris reveals he said no to Strictly multiple times
19:52 , Rachel McGrathChris has had a difficult couple of weeks in the competition, and found himself joint second from bottom of the leaderboard last week - his Couple’s Choice, quite frankly, couldn’t have come at a better time.
I’m so pleased he’s lasted long enough on the show to tell his story fully, as he did in the VT, explaining how he lost his sight as a teenager.
He said in his VT: “I was asked to do Strictly a few times and I said no, because I was scared to be honest. I realised saying no was selfish. It’s not that people with disabilities need to see themselves on TV to be inspired, but everyone else does.”
Chris closes the show in style
19:56 , Rachel McGrathAnd starts on a chair, naturally. A lot of celebs go for emotional routines for their Couple’s Choice and while this obviously means so much, it’s lovely to see a total celebration.
The lifts are incredible, he and Dianne are clearly having a great time. The lights going down only for them to reappear spinning in the dark was wonderful. Bravo!
“That routine deserves to be in a musical,” said Craig, who choreographs musicals when he’s not judging, so that really means a lot.
‘I felt such joy in my heart watching you dance,” said Motsi. “You’re inspiring us all on the dancefloor, I love it. Thank you.”
“It’s the most unique partnership on any Strictly I’ve experienced around the world,” said Shirley, who was nearly in tears.
Chris’s scores are in...
19:59 , Rachel McGrathIt’s a 7 from Craig, 8 from Motsi, and 9s from Shirley and Anton, for a total of 33.
The vote is open!
20:01 , Rachel McGrathIt really does feel impossible ot say who is safe and who isn’t this week, so your vote could mean more than ever to your fave couple (and don’t forget, you get three votes if you cast them via the Strictly website).
Voting closes at 8.35pm so you really don’t have long. Go, go, go!
Voting is closed
20:35 , Rachel McGrathI did warn you there wasn’t much time to cast your vote. The lines (and website) have now closed and the celebrities’ fates lies have almost bee decided. For seven pairs, Blackpool is now calling. The bottom two couples will need to dance-off in a fight for their place in the annual special.
This week’s leaderboard
20:40 , Rachel McGrathHere’s how things stand:
Strictly 2024 leaderboard: The scores from week eight of the BBC dance competition
See you next week
21:33 , Rachel McGrathThat’s it from me! I’ll be back next week for Blackpool week and genuinely cannot wait.
Tune in to the results show on BBC One at 6.35pm tomorrow to find out who leaves the competition.
