Back to normality next week
Thanks for watching along with me, everyone. You’re pretty iconic yourselves. Our nifty nine pairings have made it into the contest’s home stretch and now progress to the mercifully un-themed eighth live show, bidding to get through to Blackpool the following week.
It airs next Saturday at 6.35pm on BBC1. Meet you back here to see who’s sizzling and who’s fizzling. In the meantime, you don’t need me to tell you: keeeeeeep dancing! Have a lovely week. Goodnight all.
DGPHOK says: “Couples Choice is not ballroom or Latin. It seems to be a bye to the next week. Liked both dance off contestants, such a shame.”
Belette adds: “You absolutely have to buy in to it being a popularity contest, so if you’ve in a soap or a ‘reality’ TV show you always stand a good chance. No other reason why Pete Wicks’ salsa that wasn’t really a salsa which, bless him, he knew he’d made shed loads of mistakes in and looked bereft at the end, scored rightly the lowest but wasn’t in the dance off. It’s never been a dance competition.”
Sebnose says: “Floppy dance and bad costume were major contributors to Sam’s demise, I fear.”
ABH2018 adds: “Very sorry to lose Sam and Nikita. I’ve loved them and there were two or three I thought should have gone first. And I agree with Motsi that it’s sad to lose another girl.”
girlpanic says: “I’m very sad to see either of those couples leave. Neither of them deserved to go this week. Sam definitely could have improved more and I think it was her lack of celebrity compared to some of the others that failed her a bit. Oh well, that’s Strictly!”
Somersetlass adds: “Not a surprise, and of course Mojo shouldn’t have been in the dance-off, but I am gutted to lose Sam and Nikita. Love, love, love Nikita’s tenderness, and Sam is just gorgeous.”
Readers’ verdicts are in
Let’s take the temperature of your comments. joanieloves says: “Sorry to see Sam go,but it’s got to that point of the show where every week from now on will be a close call.”
IvanTiger says: “Well, let’s try to forget Icon Week ever happened and put it in the bin..”
Tombo says: “Were MoJo punished for dancing a waltz to a song that isn’t in 3/4 time? If so, they only have themselves to blame..”
LekisP adds: “Well that was disappointing. Sam was a great contestant. She really embodied the spirit of Strictly. I think Montell has more to give, she could make the final.”
Amy isn’t the only Welsh dancer on TV tonight
For more hoofing action, you can now flip to BBC4 for Dance Passion: Swansea, which sees world-class dancers perform throughout the city.
At 9pm, choose from new true-crime thriller Until I Kill You on ITV1, the finale of Showtrial on BBC1, Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing on BBC2 or Generation Z on Channel 4.
Film-wise, tonight’s picks are Bram Stoker’s Dracula (9pm on BBC3), The Shawshank Redemption (10pm on BBC2) and Anchorman (11.10pm on Film4). Stay classy, San Diego.
Will we see Icons Week again?
The jury is out on whether this weekend’s brand new theme worked. It certainly led to some uneasy combinations soundtrack dance style. There was also inconsistency in how closely the theme was followed. Some celebrities slavishly dressed up as the musician in question, while others didn’t.
It was fun but felt a little gratuitous, presumably aimed at pulling in younger viewers. With Movies, Halloween, Blackpool and Musicals, we’ve probably got enough theme weeks. Do we really need another?
Oh Nikita, you will never know…
Ukrainian pro Nikita Kuzmin would have been confident he could steer Sam Quek a few weeks further. Sadly it didn’t quite happen. Her 10th place finish matches his 2022 partner, Ellie Simmonds. In his debut series, he came sixth with Tilly Ramsay. Last year, he formed a dynamite all-male duo with Layton Williams and finished runner-up.
His 2023 partner was watching from the studio audience tonight. Wonder if Nikita was vaguely tempted to pop a blonde wig on Layton and draft him in for the dance-off instead?
Sighs of relief from male celebs
Pete Wicks won’t be the only one thanking his lucky stars tonight. Chris McCausland, Wynne Evans and Jamie Borthwick all scored fewer points than Montell last night and did well to stay out of the bottom two.
After two dance-offs in the past three weeks, Shayne Ward will also have feared the worst. All of them need to mop their brows and knuckle down if they’re going to make it to Blackpool.
Pete Wicks did well not to bite the dust
Freddie Mercury impersonator Pete Wicks was cut adrift at the bottom of the scoreboard by a long way last night. He was bottom of the pile by massive seven-point margin - the biggest gap of the series so far. Despite dancing in the slot of death, however, voting viewers rode to his rescue and the lion-maned, moustachioed TOWIE alumnus dodged the dance-off.
Pete the wet otter can thank his popularity. He’s proved amusingly dry-witted, formed a likeable partnership with Jowita Przystal (complete with showmance rumours) and fallen in love with dance, steadily improving each week - at least until last night’s salsa setback. He’s fortunate to outlast Sam Quek. She not only outscored him by seven points on Saturday but Pete is the lowest average scorer left in the field by fully three points - he averages 24, Sam 27. Lucky lad.
Sam’s exit leaves a male-heavy field
We started the series with a male-skewed field. Now the scales are further tipped. After the departures of Dr Punam Krishan and Sam Quek in consecutive weeks, only three female celebrities remain in the contest, alongside six males.
At least the three women who do remain - Tasha Ghouri, Sarah Hadland and Montell Douglas - are the three highest scorers. We can count on at least one of them reaching the final, surely?
Sam never quite hit her straps
You might have thought that the legions of Swifties would save her. Sadly, they didn’t vote in sufficient numbers. When Sam Quek was consigned to the dance-off against the far superior Montell Douglas, the result was all but guaranteed.
It’s been a curious contest for Sam. She had plenty of potential but never quite seemed to fulfil it. Lacking any performance background, she let nerves affect her, often making mistakes or losing her timing during routines. She also seemed to be harshly criticised by the judges, where others got away more lightly. As a hockey star-turned-sports presenter, she took it on the chin, refused to make excuses and trained hard alongside her pro partner Nikita Kuzmin, with whom she developed lovely chemistry.
The highlights of Sam’s seven-week stint were when she could play a character. Her Lara Croft paso doble in Movie Week and her Rocky Horror jive in the Halloween special were the only times her score climbed into the 30s. As a Liverpudlian, she’ll be gutted to fall a fortnight short of Blackpool but she was, in her own words, “totally boss”. Ta-ra, Samba Quekstep.
Will Amy return next week?
No official word yet on whether much-loved Welsh pro Amy Dowden will be back from illness to partner JB Gill again next week but let’s hope so.
Her fellow professional Lauren Oakley did a brilliant job deputising this week and is always a joy to watch. The three of them all collaborated on last night’s Couple’s Choice number and there were lovely scenes of female friendship in the Clauditorium last night. We wish Amy all the best with her recovery and hope to see her back at JB’s side soon.
Montell was biggest dance-off shock so far
We’ve seen mid-table celebrities plummet into the bottom two several times this series, notably in the cases of JB Gill and Shayne Ward (twice). However, Montell Douglas being consigned to the dreaded dance-off was arguably the biggest surprise of the series so far.
She scored three nines for Saturday’s gorgeous Whitney waltz and was fourth on the scoreboard. Yet she clearly didn’t get enough viewer votes, tumbling five places into the danger zone. Montell was always likely to edge out the weaker Sam Quek in the dance-off but she’s the third highest scorer in the field, with a strong chance of reaching the final. An early exit would have felt deeply unjust.
As an athlete and Gladiator, we can rely on her competitive fire to ensure she bounces back strongly. And hey, at least her partner Johannes Radebe got to lead that fierce Beyoncé-themed pro dance.
Sam and Nikita’s last dance
As the eliminated couple trip the light fantastic one last time to Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac, the credits roll and their castmates crowd around. Please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
Nikita returns the compliment
Her pro partner Nikita Kuzmin tells Tess: “I’m just in awe of this girl. Sometimes they say it’s about the journey, not the destination, but to me it’s about the company. Sam, you are the most wonderful company I could’ve had.”
Nicely said, sir.
Sam says a Quek goodbye
In her farewell speech, Sam Quek says: “I’m gutted. I just want to say thank you. I’ve learned so much. Strictly has brought that spring in my step back. It’s been an absolute joy. Nikita, you’ve been key in helping me find that inner Sam that was there, who went a little bit quiet for maybe one or two years and has just come back. I’m gutted because I do feel like I still have more to give. I’m guilty of watching the competition and thinking ‘How do they have that relationship as a celebrity and a dancer?’ All I can say is, the time you spend with each other and what you bring out in each other. It really is, and it sounds dead cheesy, magical.”
Shirley Ballas agrees
For the fifth time this series - only Tom Dean vs Toyah Willcox has split the panel so far - head judge Shirley Ballas also would’ve voted to save Montell and Jojo.
Sam Quek is eliminated
The majority vote means that Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin become this year’s sixth couple to depart the dancefloor.
Anton Du Beke choose to save…
Montell and Jojo as well.
Motsi Mabuse chooses to save…
Montell and Jojo, saying “I agree with Craig”.
Craig Revel Horwood chooses to save…
Montell and Jojo, saying “both danced beautifully but they were better”.
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Verdict time
I think the outcome is pretty clear but let’s ask the awesome foursome who’ll have the final say. Craig and Shirley both scored Montell two points higher than Sam last night, Motsi and Anton one point more.
Montell and Jojo take their turn
Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe now have another go at their waltz to I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston. The judges said last night that it had exquisite timing but Craig wanted it softer and lighter with a more consistent frame, kicking off a row with Shirley. It scored 35 points, six more than Sam, so she surely just needs to get through the routine without any major whoopsies.
Sam and Nikita go first in dance-off
Sam Quek and her dance partner Nikita Kuzmin reprise their American smooth to Love Story by Taylor Swift. The judges said last night it was graceful, clean with fantastic lifts. An improvement on the mistake-littered routines of the past two weeks, even if it lacked flexibility and arm extensions. It scored 29 points, six fewer than Montell’s waltz. Sam will need to show considerable improvement second time around and hope that Montell makes mistakes.
All perfectly pleasant but there’s only one Strictly K-Pop moment I care about. Altogether now: heeeey sexy lady! Oppa Ed Balls style!
dearALICE in Strictly wonderland
Musical interlude now from K-Pop boyband dearALICE. The UK-based five-piece was formed on BBC1 reality show Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience and, in a spot of Beeb cross-promotion, this is their grand unveiling. The Alice stands for “A Love I Can’t Explain”, apparently.
Email just in
Iain Crofts in Montreal writes: “I’m surprised how Pete Wicks’s ‘wet like an otter’ remark has had such an enduring effect. If anyone on Strictly embodies the playful otter, it’s Vito. The aquatic mammal that most reminds me of Mr. Wicks’s stern demeanour is the walrus. However, when he has occasionally flashed a smile on Strictly, it’s been lovely to see.”
Jamie dances an Argentine tango next week
More balcony chit-chat with the safe couples, all of whom seem shocked by the Montell result. Jamie Borthwick thinks he should have been in the bottom two. Dianne Buswell’s parents met former glitterball winner Bill Bailey this week. To the hip, hop…
Team MoJo in the dance-off
Well, that’s a shocker. Montell Douglas and her pro partner Johannes Radebe are consigned to the dance-off for the first time. She was joint fourth on the scoreboard, so that’s an upset.
Chris McCausland is safe
Phew, frankly. So are Sarah Hadland and Wynne Evans.
Red light spells danger again
The dreaded crimson spotlight is back to do its dastardly thing. Let’s find out who will face Sam Quek in the dance-off. Hold tight.
Shirley talks a baffled Claudia through some fundamentals, then relives her “ruckus” with Craig over Montell’s frame. Let’s agree to disagree, darlings.
“Good morning” and “wakey wakey” say Claud and Motsi, rather brilliantly, as Craig tells her he “doesn’t care” if Sam has never danced before. Loosen up that spine, Ms Quek.
Dance debrief
Oops, they did it again. The judges sashay into the Clauditorium for a closer inspection of last night’s dances. Let’s hope Mummy Shirley and Daddy Craig don’t start bickering again. If they do, I’m stomping off upstairs to play my tapes.
Well, that Beyonc-slayed. If you liked it, then you should’ve put a ring on it.
Slinky space age outfits for the girls. Lauren Oakley looking fabulous in a wig and stealing some of the limelight off our leading man.
The male dancers join in with the horse-riding country and western segment in fringed stetsons. Must be tricky to see where they’re going under those. Health & Safety nightmare.
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Putting the Bey into Radebe
In case you were wondering why Beyoncé wasn’t on the Icons Week bill last night - well, she has won 32 Grammys, the most of all time - here’s your answer. She’s been bagsied by the pros for their group number.
It’s set to a medley of Ms Knowles-Carter’s greatest hits and led by one of our favourites, Johannes Radebe. Choreographed by the respected Beth Honan, there are nods to Beyoncé’s videos, power ballad moves and plenty of sass.
Jojo looking frankly resplendent in leather coat, silver Bacofoil trousers, high heels, sparkly top and a bejewelled cowboy hat. Just your average Sunday night outfit, then. Who run the world? Jojo. He’s living his best life out there.
Cut a rug, Pudsey
In a Children In Need VT, Anton du Beke and the Strictly pros visit Motion Dance Control in Barry, South Wales. What a cracking charity.
Tasha dances a quickstep next week
It’s the dance she’s been dreading but something tells me she’ll be good at it.
Pete and Jowita have otters named after them. That’s it. That’s the blog post.
JB is the dance king of JLS
Up in the Clauditorium with the happy couples who are safely through, Shayne Ward says his confidence has been boosted by dodging the dance-off. JB Gill is beaming after a challenging week – and has now officially beaten his JLS bandmate Aston Merrygold #justiceforAston.
Sam Quek in dreaded dance-off
No great surprise, I suppose. Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin must dance again for survival. They were second from bottom last night, joint with the popular Chris McCausland, so perhaps that was to be expected.
Pete Wicks rescued by viewers
He was rock bottom of the scoreboard by some distance but the TOWIE alumnus has been saved by the public vote. Which means we could be in for a dance-off surprise.
JB and Lauren do Amy proud
That’s a welcome result. JB Gill not only deserved to go through for that leaderboard-topping Couple’s Choice but it means his regular partner Amy Dowden will get the chance to dance again. Well done to fellow pro Lauren Oakley, who did a terrific job stepping in for a week. Definitely deserves a celebrity partner next year.
Shayne Ward is safe
He doesn’t need Help! this week.
Red light of doom
Hold onto your dictionaries, open at the word “icon”. It’s time to find out who’s safe and who ain’t.
The paddle-raising judging panel are in situ. They’ll have a decision to make later. At least they’ve removed those terrible wigs to do it. Nobody wants to be sent home by Claudia’s Auntie Joan.
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Our Strictly stars™
Our top 10 couples wait to hear their fates. Freddie Mercury’s moustache quivers anxiously. George Michael nervously scratches his designer stubble. Madonna tries not to have someone’s eye out with her cone bra.
Last night’s live show recapped
A rewind of Saturday night’s Icons Week action on-screen now. Couple’s Choices from Tasha Ghouri and JB Gill clock up the 10s! Sarah Hadland takes it to cha-cha-church! Shayne Ward dresses up like my Sergeant Pepper grinder! Hey, who needs those smoke-filled sliding doors on Stars In Their Eyes?
Frockwatch
Here’s our presenting pair, so let’s compare their couture. Tess Daly is in white bodice and trousers. Claudia Winkleman is in chic black with beaded neckline and pocket details. Poppies present and correct in both cases. Claud wins, making it another clean sweep for La Winkle this weekend.
And we’re off!
Roll clap-along credits. Five of these couples have left us. Who will become the sixth in around 35 minutes time? See if you can guess from the sadness behind their smiles.
Buckle up, ballroom watchers. We’re about to go back to the Elstree Studios ballroom…
K-Pop comes to Elstree
Tonight’s musical guests are K-Pop’s latest big boyband, the oddly named dearALICE. Who from the name alone, sound to me more like goth rockers than teenyboppers. Pretty sure I saw them at Reading Festival in the 90s.
Anyway, just five minutes to wait now…
Majestic new nature series Asia on BBC1 approaching its end right now. Lovely to hear the reassuringly familiar whispery tones of Sir David Attenborough again - 98 years young and still the don.
The mudskippers, sea bunnies and baby whales have been my highlights so far. That army of sea snakes might slither its way into my dreams tonight, though.
It’s a mere 10 minutes until we go from wildlife to waltzes. Any last dance-off predictions?
Are you ready for Jojo’s jelly?
Tonight’s pro group dance is a Beyoncé medley, with Johannes Radebe channelling his inner Sasha Fierce as the Icons Week routine’s protagonist. Expect high heels, sassy moves and full fabulosity.
Fifteen minutes until glitter o’clock…
Nervy night for mid-table quartet
A pack of four celebrities scored around the 30-mark last night, leaving them in the bottom half of the leaderboard on a high-scoring night - namely Sam Quek, Chris McCausland, Wynne Evans and Jamie Borthwick, who were all marked between 29 and 31 points.
Along with Pete Wicks, this foursome in particular will be making “phone hand” gestures and hoping that viewer votes keep them clear of the dance-off. It’s just 20 minutes until glitter o’clock…
Another flurry of perfect 10s last night
We saw seven more maximum scores handed out last night - three 10s for JB Gill, three for Tasha Ghouri and one for Sarah Hadland. Somehow reassuring that Craig Revel Horwood’s perfect paddle remains mothballed.
It’s 25 minutes until we’re back in the ballroom…
Will the public vote save Pete Wicks’ skin?
After last night’s live show, salsa-ing Freddie Mercury impersonator Pete Wicks was cut adrift at the bottom of the leaderboard by a massive seven-point margin - the biggest gap of the series so far.
Will voting viewers ride to his rescue? If so, will we see another dance-off shocker? It’s less than half an hour until we get our first clues…
Who will fall at the halfway hurdle?
Icons Week is about to claim its first ever victim. Good evening and welcome to the latest elimination of Strictly Come Dancing 2024. I’m Michael, your virtual dance partner for tonight’s results show. Please watch along with me as the sixth celebrity is sent home, bowing out at the precise midway mark of the contest.
Following last night’s high-scoring live show paying fancy-dressed tribute to music icons, our 10 surviving pro-celebrity pairs will be whittled down to nine. The judges’ scores have been combined with the public vote. Tonight the bottom two will perform again for survival. So who’s in dance-off danger?
Pete Wicks was bottom of the leaderboard by a long way. Sam Quek and Chris McCausland were joint second from bottom but will voting viewers agree? If not, the likes of Shayne Ward or Wynne Evans could be at risk.
It’s showtime at 7.20pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6.50pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and a pinch of mild mickey-taking. So snuggle up, hunker down and see you on the sofa.
As always, I’d love to hear from you too. You can tweet me @michaelhogan, email me at michael.hogan.freelance@guardian.co.uk and the comments section below is open for conversational fireworks. I’ll contempo-waft down there whenever I can to see what you’re all saying and report on your comments.
Buckle up, ballroom-watchers. Nearly time to staaaaaart iconic eliminating!
An iconic goodnight
Phew, what a show. Faintly ridiculous but highly entertaining – in large part thanks to your excellent running commentary.
That concludes tonight’s twinkle-toed, badly bewigged liveblog action but meet you back here for the results show, which airs at 7.20pm Sunday on BBC1. I’ll unleash the blog at 6.50pm for build-up, so please rejoin me then. In the meantime, I’m @michaelhogan on Twitter, so feel free to give me a follow or say hi.
Thanks for watching along with me, as always. Hope to see you right back here tomorrow but in the meantime, it’s the traditional exhortation: keeeeeep dancing! Goodnight.
Over on Twitter (I refuse to call it X), Rita Griffin writes to me: “I didn’t know Jeffrey Dahmer was an icon, Craig.”
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Finally, on Shayne Ward’s Beatles quickstep, Somersetlass says: “Some fun reminders of the Beatles films there. I rather liked it. Shayne for a change wasn’t outshone by Nancy and had some great footwork.”
eiwrite says: “That was a bit odd where Nancy whipped off Shayne’s jacket to reveal - the same outfit underneath! Why?!”
paperview adds: “If cockapoos could vote, Shayne would win every week.”
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On Tasha Ghouri’s emotive Couple’s Choice, G1adys says: “Just when you thought it might be safe to like CC, the bare feet are back.”
LazyMillennial says: “I know Tasha has danced before, and I’m too burned out to fully buy into the background of Couple’s Choice dances, but I loved that. Exactly what I like to see in contemporary dance.”
Jennifera030 adds: “Not my favourite kind of dance but that was one hell of a lift halfway through. I think it might have killed Aljaz off.”
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On Jamie Borthwick, Shazza2704 says: “Wasn’t fussed on that. Was more Chesney Hawkes than the late, great George Michael.”
Pancake01 adds: “You see, this is what I feared. I think Jamie did a really good dance, but it was overshadowed by me thinking that he looked like a shit George Michael. Why couldn’t he just do the dance as him?”
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On Montell Douglas’ Whitney waltz, Somersetlass says: “Pure elegance and class. As an athlete, Montell knows her body well, but that had real fluidity and grace, and I was glued to her, rather than to Johannes. Shout-out to the singer too - good on Motsi for mentioning her.”
Lidoswimmer adds: “I was bracing myself for the Whitney song, which I can’t abide, but that was really nice and understated version by Dave and the band. The dance was a bit too understated, though, I thought.”
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On JB Gill, ihema says: “Lauren is an amazing dancer but I think it’s telling that I found myself watching JB all the time. Quite magnetic to the eyeballs.”
Aine183 says: “Wow. If I hadn’t known who the pro was in JB’s dance, I couldn’t have told.”
02022020 adds: “Lovely moment between Amy and Lauren. Ah, Amy all emotional now about everything she’s suffering. Getting teary.”
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On Sarah Hadland’s cha cha, ABH2018 says: “Thank goodness. I’m not a Madonna fan but I liked that. Sarah has amazing pins and a little weep for Miranda (please may we see her on the Friday panel?).”
1991fab says: “Sarah was so good. Best one so far and fitted the theme most!”
EastofStratford adds: “I suppose now Gorka has gone to the Clauditorium in the sky, Vito gets first dibs on the shiny plastic trousers. Though if he does many more moves like that, Vicky Gill will need to buy a puncture repair kit.”
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On Chris McCausland’s KISS tango, PsychedelicAmphibian says: “I’m a massive Kiss fan but there’s no way Rock & Roll All Night is a tango!”
whistledownthewind says: “I assume that Chris hasn’t been able to see anyone dance a tango before (or any other dance) so whilst there were a few niggles, I maintain that he’s still a dance marvel and great entertainer.”
joanieloves adds: “Still amazed by Chris. And fingers crossed we’ll get to see his Couple’s Choice dance (the only time you’ll hear me say that).”
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On Sam Quek’s American smooth, Somersetlass says: “Sam was light as a feather there. Rather a lovely Taylor Swift song and super-romantic characterisation.”
wtrukus adds: “I love Sam and Nikita but I didn’t like that song or that dance. Or her wig.”
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On Pete Wicks, Jagadox says: “Great Freddie impression from Pete. The dance, not so much. Will the judges mark for entertainment value?”
On Wynne Evans, joanieloves says: “Very emotional from Wynne and more male dancing content than most rumbas. Well done!”
FascinatingFlamenco adds: “The dance had a bit too much ‘fling’ for me - overdramatic to the point of eyeroll. Just WOW on the singing of the last line. He’s got an amazing voice - loved that.”
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On the Icons Week theme, Gardener_Maidhc says: “Really not liking this Theme week so far. Just song/dance mismatch clashes. Grr.”
MrsLofty says: “This is quite fun but I so want to watch a week with, well, just dancing. Appropriate costumes, music, Am I hoping for too much?”
RichIrwinTN says: “I loved it. I love Bruno Mars and I love JB. I think 15 Grammys and doing Super Bowl (more than once) means a modern icon.”
fihema adds: “'Does P!nk really qualify as an icon? I’d say very definitely and internationally. All she has done for girls, for the autistic community, LGBTQ+, PETA, the Prince’s Trust, UNICEF, Save the Children and more - even body-positivity and self-acceptance. Yeah. She’s an icon.”
TheMathDiva says: “I wish the judges wouldn’t argue and shout over each other (by that I mean disrespect Craig’s opinion). It isn’t entertaining or constructive.”
whistledownthewind says: “Only Sir Lenny Henry can do a greatest hits of his whole career whilst reading out the terms and conditions for Strictly. Bravo!”
Readers’ verdicts
A swift straw poll of your comments. Dunntalkin says: “Anton is Rod Stewart? I thought he was Nicola Sturgeon.”
TeeDubyaBee says: “Wait, Anton’s icon is Robin Askwith?”
JenAiMarre says: “Anton is channelling Paul Calf.”
Poppieshen adds: “Anton has really come from Spinal Tap, hasn’t he? He’ll be turning it up to 11 before the evening’s out.”
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Goths, Godfathers and Romesh’s mum
TV viewers can now flip to BBC2 for The Cure Night. At 9pm, there’s Scandi-drama Justice: Those Who Kill on BBC4 or Alex Edelman: Just for Us on Sky Comedy. At 9.10pm, rather amusing new gameshow Romesh Ranganahan’s Parents’ Evening starts on ITV1.
It’s fairly slim pickings film-wise but at 9pm, choose from Predator on Film4, Cliffhanger on 5Action or Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason on 5Star. At 11.10pm, there’s The Godfather Part II on Film4 or Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery on 5Star. Yeah, baby!
Shirley Bassey quiz answer
I’m sure you all got it but Shirley Bassey’s three Bond themes were Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever and Moonraker (where she was a late replacement for Johnny Mathis). Hope that trivia teaser didn’t leave you shaken or indeed stirred.
Fumble with an envelope, it’s the Golden Glitterballs
They’re the most coveted awards in the Elstree and Borehamwood environs. Here are this week’s gong-getters…
Best dance: JB Gill’s street-commercial party or Sarah Hadland’s Ciccone cha-cha.
Worst dance: Pete Wicks by some margin.
Best music choice: The Whitney waltz was a moment and the vocals were on-point.
Worst music choice: Lots of music vs dance style mismatches. KISS and Queen did Chris and Pete no favours. Perhaps it’s no coincidence they ended up down the bottom.
Best outfit: Montell’s midnight blue waltz frock was gorgeous. Honourable mention for Michelle’s samba frock.
Worst outfit: Anton looked like a mid-life crisis dinner lady. Jamie Borthwick had borrowed Jeremy Clarkson’s dad jeans.
Best judges’ comment: Anton telling poor Vito “One word: wedgie” to which Vito replied “It’s really pulling.” Also enjoyed Motsi’s: “I almost cried, then turned around, saw Craig and it was over.” Hated the unedifying Craig vs Shirley spat, though.
Worst VT: Dead heat between Shayne’s Beatles tour and Wynne’s random visit to the Cardiff Principality Stadium. Lovely to see Miranda Hart visiting Sarah in the training room. Such fun.
Best Claudia quip: Spoilt for choice. There was Anton-baiting, Dave Arch-fancying and Vito-wrangling but the prize goes to: “I know what you’re thinking. Where’s Jedward? They might be coming.”
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Couple's Choices top the leaderboard
JB Gill and Tasha Ghouri jointly top the standings – great routines but also showing how tricky it remains to judge the Couple’s Choice category – with Sarah Hadland in third spot.
Pete Wicks is bottom by quite some margin, with Chris McCausland and Sam Quek joint second bottom. As always, though the viewer vote helps decide who’ll be consigned to the dreaded dance-off. Wynne Evans and Shayne Ward might also fear the red light of doom.
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Iconic credits roll
“Keeeeeep dancing!” chorus the swaying Tess and Claud. Icons. As everyone peels off their fancy dress and mops their brow, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
Tonight’s routines get recapped on-screen. Who was top of the pops and gets your vote? Who was a cloth-eared flop and definitely doesn’t?
And the voting lines are… open!
Prop shop mayhem ensues. Vito and Nikita keep going too early, which Claudia handles like a long-suffering older sister. Remember to vote for your favourites if you don’t want any dance-off shockers tomorrow.
Judges’ scores for Shayne and Nancy: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points. His highest, top half of the table.
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Judges’ comments for Shayne and Nancy: Craig says “little bit of gapping, needed neater footwork but light, bright and dynamite, darling”. Motsi says “hot, fast, rhythmical and entertaining”. Shirley says “bounced back well and fighting to stay, lovely memories, springs in your feet, frame better”. Anton concludes “lovely togetherness, this was the best of you, super movement, your best dance”. Nines all round? A sentimental Scouse 10 from Shirley?
Shayne and Nancy’s quickstep
The double dance-off survivors close the show. This is Nancy’s third week seven Strictly quickstep, previously scoring scoring 33 and 34 points with Will Mellor and Rhys Stephenson. At least, having sold 600m albums and changed the face of music, the Fab Four fit the “icons” criteria. Shayne Ward has lots of family in Liverpool, so is keen to do the city justice. Mop-top hair and a Sergeant Pepper-style jacket which comes off early. Nancy wearing Flavia’s wig. Up on the the balls of his feet, close connection with their ribcages glued together. Fun , frisky choreography as they fly around the floor. Then it segues into Hey Jude and confetti falls. Peace signs to finish. A crowd-pleaser.
Song: Help! by the Beatles. John Lennon wrote the1965 chart-topper’s lyrics to express his stress after the band’s rapid rise to superstardom. This is the third Strictly quickstep to it, following Jessie Wallace (“You ain’t my muvva!” “Yes I am!”) and Ed Balls (real name Edwardian Testicles).
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Judges’ scores for Tasha and Aljaž: 9, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. Joint top with JB. Aljaz, out of breath but emotional, says it’s his favourite story he’s ever told on Strictly. “I used to love Barry Gibb,” deadpans Aljaz, who’s been on very funny form tonight.
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Judges’ comments for Tasha and Aljaž: Motsi says “powerful dance, powerful words, you made a difficult dance look easy”. Shirley says “beautiful beyond words”. Anton says “I didn’t notice Aljaz once, you were exquisite, you made it personal and just lovely”. Craig concludes “elevation, extensions, fantastic storytelling, a triumph, darling”. Tens incoming but will there be four of them?
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Tasha and Aljaž’s Couple’s Choice
Does P!nk really qualify as an icon? Either way, the song means a lot to Tasha Ghouri as an empowerment anthem. Emotional VT about social media trolling when she was on Love Island. Tasha has topped the leaderboard three times and become bookies’ favourite to get the first perfect 40 of the series. Can she lure out Craig’s 10 paddle here? A cool Couple’s Choice routine, choreographed by Lukas McFarlane who has worked with P!nk herself. Contemporary lyrical in style, telling a story from the heart. Barefoot and beautiful. Maybe a bit too wafty, lacking P!nk’s signature power and personality. Great lifts. She barely touched the floor for a while there. Powerful, full of feeling, stunning.
Song: What About Us by P!nk. The anthemic 2017 electro-pop chart-topper has politically charged lyrics about Trump’s government failing the American people, told from the perspective of the unheard and forgotten. It was later covered by the late Liam Payne. RIP.
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Judges’ scores for Jamie and Michelle: 7, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 31 points. Mid-table.
Judges’ comments for Jamie and Michelle: Shirley says “hit all the technical elements but lacked connection, dance as a unit”. Anton says “OK but not great, lots to like but not your best”. Craig says “love a hip-roll, darling, a bit pointed and spiky, needed body rhythm but feet and presentation were brilliant”. Motsi concludes “it was cool not loud and you did that well”. Bit harsh, I thought. Sevens and eights?
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Jamie and Michelle’s samba
The song was an early solo number one for George Michael. Could it help secure a solo top spot for Jamie Borthwick too, after he’s jointly topped the leaderboard for two weeks running? An apt choice because George was a huge EastEnders fan and often visited the set. Memorial clip of Heather Trott (RIP, sob). He was also half-Cypriot like Michelle Tsiakkas, so he’s got a connection to them both. Giotsr and jukebox-ography. Terrible dad jeans but Jamie getting right into character. Decent job at oiling up his hips and nailing the tricky samba technique. Strange music-to-dance mismatch but entertaining and well executed. A Whamba of a samba.
Song: Faith by George Michael. Conceived as a rock ’n’ roll pastiche with growly vocals and a classic Bo Diddley beat, it was originally only two minutes long and never intended to be a single, just a snappy album track. When George changed his mind, he went back and extended it with a guitar solo. Swimmer Adam Peary danced a samba to it three series ago.
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Judges’ scores for Montell and Jojo: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points. Jojo is tearful with pride. “She feels like Luba Mushtuk in my arms,” he says. Bless that man. Protect him at all costs.
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Judges’ comments for Montell and Jojo: Anton says “love watching you do ballroom, pure joy, exquisite timing, as lovely as you’ve danced”. Craig says “I wanted it softer and lighter, frame was in and out”. Shirley swaps places with Motsi to disagree and Craig calls her “Cousin It”. Motsi says “mummy and daddy are fighting, that dance was made for you, you gave it love, respect and passion”. Well. Pick the bones out of that. Nines?
Montell and Jojo’s waltz
This could be an emotional one because Montell Douglas buried her grandfather to this song when she was 10 years old. Elements of The Bodyguard’s film narrative in a story of love and loss. Montell says she’s a Latin girl but her Viennese waltz three weeks ago was gorgeous and notched her first nine. The international version is the most exposing ballroom dance due to its slowness but she’s showing control, precision and poise. For a powerhouse athlete, she brings effortless elegance, delicacy and softness to ballroom dances. Romantic mood and stylish. A slight stumble mid-routine, I thought, but strong finish and all-round gaw-jus.
Song: I Will Always Love You to Whitney Houston. It was first released by Dolly Parton 50 years ago as a farewell to her partner and mentor Porter Wagoner, expressing Dolly’s decision to go solo. Impressively, she wrote Jolene on the same day. Whitney’s 1992 cover version sold 24m copies worldwide, topped the UK chart for 10 weeks and became the bestselling single of all time by a female solo artist. Dolly famously declined to let Elvis Presley cover it when his manager Colonel Tom Parker demanded she sign over half the publishing rights. Dolly stood her ground and said: “When Whitney’s version came out, I made enough money to buy Graceland.” Attagirl.
Judges’ scores for JB and Amy: 9, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. Joint highest score of the series. Lovely moment of pro bonding between Amy and Lauren on the balcony. Amy tearful with pride. No, you’re crying.
Judges’ comments for JB and Amy: Craig says “two moments where you got out of sync but commercial is your thing, brilliant”. Motsi says “came out of your shell and it all came together, swag, brought the jam”. Shirley says “sensational, bring that flexibility and fluidity to all your dances”. Anton concludes “you’re a great technical dancer but park that and dance, we want this freedom”. Nines, even a ten?
JB and Lauren’s Couple’s Choice
Not just a new dance style for JB Gill but a new partner, with home-grown pro Lauren Oakley stepping in for Amy Dowden while she recovers from being taken ill last week. JB is keen to do Amy proud as she cheers him on from the balcony and this should suit his boyband background. It’s commercial meets streetdance and hip-hop. Lots of groove and synchronisation. Barber’s chairs to start, channeling Bill Bailey. Some jacket-ography and baseball-ography. This is great. Sharp, swaggering, tight side-by-side, tricks and jumps. A belter.
Song: A Bruno Mars medley. You know, the iconic Bruno Mars? Oh. Real name Peter Gene Hernandez, the Hawaii-born retro R&B popper has sold 130m records worldwide and notched eight US chart-topping singles. Dog lovers also might be interested to learn that he owns a Rottweiler called Geronimo. This medley includes his hits 24K Magic, Locked Out Of Heaven and his vocals on Mark Ronson’s Uptown Funk.
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Aljaz busts out a bit of Blue’s All Rise there on the balcony. Brought to you in association with Mother’s Pride thick sliced bread.
Judges’ scores for Sarah and Vito: 9, 9, 9, 10 for a total of 37 points. Top of the pops at the halfway point.
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Judges’ comments for Sarah and Vito: Motsi says “this was iconic, whole package made sense, tight steps, on-point and rhythmical, rolling like Tina”. Shirley says “straightened legs fantastic, natural turn-out, all gorgeous, just needs fluidity and flexibility”. Anton says “speechless, I’m blown away, it was so brilliant, love your legs, best dance tonight”. Craig concludes “the cape went better with you than Madonna, you worked hard, a powerhouse performance”. Two nines and two 10s, perhaps?
Sarah and Vito’s cha cha cha
After jointly topping last week’s leaderboard with the first Argentine tango of the series, Sarah Hadland is off to cha-cha-church. Madonna Louise Ciccone has Italian heritage, of course, so Vito Coppola is happy. He’s been busy researching 1980s cha-chas so he can incorporate authentic period steps into the choreography. Admirable attention to detail. No cloak mishap like Madge at the Brits, thankfully. Whips it off to reveal a cone bra and leaps into Vito’s arms. Fast and technically tricky, with lots of rotation, footwork and finesse. Party spirit and cracking characterisation. Maybe lacking a little in the leg action and fluidity at times but loads of va-va-voom. Woof, what a number.
Song: Like a Prayer by Madonna. The 1989 dance-gospel single became infamous for its provocative music video, which featured a dream sequence of Madonna kissing a blank saint in church. The Vatican condemned it, TV stations banned it and religious groups organised a boycott of Pepsi, which used the song in an advert and subsequently cancelled their sponsorship deal with Madge. But hey, all publicity is good publicity.
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Judges’ scores for Chris and Dianne: 6, 7, 8, 8 for a total of 29 points. Same as Sam Quek.
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Shirley’s microphone crackling is becoming annoying. Are we blaming that Cher meets Brian May wig?
Judges’ comments for Chris and Dianne: Craig says “sidestep was out of time, needs to be smoother and less stompy but you travelled well across the floor and frame improving”. Motsi says “more comfortable, great spine and head movements, felt like a little bit of paso fusion”. Shirley says “poly-rhythms, Viennese crosses and closed feet fantastic, staccato timing off the charts, much better”. Anton concludes “marvellous, mistake at end but a joy to watch”.
Chris and Dianne’s tango
Can Chris McCausland bounce back after finishing joint bottom last week with that misfiring samba? “If they make us dance first again, I’m having words,” joked Chris this week. He’s a big rock fan and prefers being in ballroom hold, both factors which should help here. Looking suitably Gene Simmons-esque in facepaint and a studded, mirrored black outfit. Solo section to start with axe and drum kit action. He’s been working hard on his posture, so needs to get his shoulders back and nail that frame. Fast, moody and full of attack with quick turns and sharp head movements. Much nearer than last week. A little bit of gapping and some footwork fluffs but pacy, swagger, a knee-slide and heaps of fun. A stomper of a rock ’n’ roll tango.
Song: Rock and Roll All Nite by KISS. The glam-metal band’s 1975 hit became their signature anthem and traditionally closes their concerts. It was inspired by Slade’s Mama Weer All Crazee Now. The original recording included the road crew’s handclaps and even the sound of them zipping up their jackets.
Judges’ scores for Sam and Nikita: 6, 8, 7, 8 for a total of 29 points. Enough to make her safe?
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Judges’ comments for Sam and Nikita: Motsi says “some hiccups the last two weeks but this was much better, lost some flexibility and breath but on the way up”. Shirley says “grace, charm, nice footwork but extend and stretch those arms from your core”. Anton says “beautiful footwork, clean lifts but a stiff upper back in hold”. Craig concludes “you had a hockeystick strapped to your back, lacked movement and wow factor but fantastic lifts”. Sevens incoming?
Sam and Nikita’s American smooth
Sam Quek is a big Swiftie and saw the Eras tour at Anfield. Telling a Romeo & Juliet story, let’s hope this isn’t a Shakespearean tragedy. Sam looking romantic in a coral pink corset, contrasting with last week’s burlesque black Rocky Horror one. As a self-confessed tomboy, she’s been finding the soppy acting awkward in training but you wouldn’t know it as she strokes Nikita’s hair and goes nose-to-nose. Rise and fall, lots of lifts and spins, elegant extensions. She needs to maintain frame but it wobbles a bit. A nice bit of business with a sheet. Cutesy but rather lovely. One of her best, I’d say.
Song: Love Story by Taylor Swift. This 2008 country pop single sold 18m copies worldwide. Not bad, considering Swift wrote it on her bedroom floor in approximately 20 minutes, inspired by her crush on an unsuitable boy. The Guardian once ranked it the second best Swift single, behind Blank Space.
Judges’ scores for Wynne and Katya: 7, 7, 8, 8 for a total of 30 points. Sincere chat about self-acceptance and self-worth from Wynne and Katya on the balcony.
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Judges’ comments for Wynne and Katya: Anton says “best ending ever, improve your spatial awareness but marvellous”. Craig says “over-attacked it and emotion overtook you, inconsistent hand-shaping but overall very good”. Motsi says “love your passion but slightly unbalanced and finish your moves”. Shirley concludes “executed steps and timing superbly, hiccup in the middle but have it your all”. Sevens? An eight for the singing?
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Wynne and Katya’s rumba
The fifth rumba of the series now. Wynne Evans says he’s struggled with his mental health and finds this song by his Welsh compatriot empowering and emotional. He’s loosening up his hips for what’s always a notoriously tricky dance for celebrity males. Wisely avoiding the sexy, sensual type of rumba. Instead it’s dramatic and moody with controlled turns and spins. Light on his feet for a big lad. A slightly hammy but powerful routine with a surprise Strictly first at the end as Wynne takes over the vocals for a belting big note.
Song: This is My Life by Shirley Bassey. Not to be confused with Shirley Ballas. This 1968 anthem became one of her signature songs and is often her final encore at concerts. Burly Chassis was the first female artist to claim a UK top 40 album in seven consecutive decades. She’s also the only singer to sing more than one Bond theme - three, in fact. Bonus point if you can name all three. I’ll tell you the answer after the show.
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Sir Lenny Henry on the Ts & Cs
The Comic Relief stalwart makes this week’s Clauditorium cameo, reading out the voting smallprint in a variety of different voices.
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Judges’ scores for Pete and Jowita: 4, 6, 6, 6 for a total of 22 points. Dance-off danger?
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The moustache is real, allegedly. Well, it is Movember.
Judges’ comments for Pete and Jowita: Shirley aka Cher says “embraced the character well, made a lot of mistakes but carried on like a trooper”. Anton aka Bet Lynch says “started strongly but plateaued and went wrong in the partner work”. Craig aka Barry Gibb says “terrible shame, lacked rotation and fluidity, timing was out, stompy but loved the lifts”. Motsi aka Tina Turner concludes “Jowita is the bravest on Strictly, threw yourself around, great job”. Sixes, do we think?
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Pete apologises for mistakes and Jowita reassures him it’s OK.
Pete and Jowita’s salsa
The king of TOWIE is dancing to Queen and hoping not to bite the dust. After last week’s Joker number, taking on a character should help him again. He’s got the Freddie Mercury moustache and yellow biker jacket but has he got his showmanship? Opens wirh some Live Aid ey-ohs. Jowita Przystal has incorporated so many spectacular lifts that Pete dubbed it “Cirque De Salsa” in training. Lots of tricks and intricate arm movements. Lacking a little coordination for the constant motion required and makes some mistakes but heaps of fun with cracking lifts. It was Pete’s 36th birthday yesterday and that wasn’t a bad way to celebrate.
Song: Another One Bites The Dust by Queen. The 1980 funk-rock number is credited as Queen’s best-selling single, shifting over 7m copies. John Deacon’s bassline was inspired by hanging out with Chic and he played virtually all the instruments on the track. It was Michael Jackson who suggested they release it as a single, during a backstage conversation with Freddie Mercury after a Queen concert. It was used in early cuts of Rocky III before later being replaced by Survivor’s Eye Of The Tiger.
Montell Douglas looking fab-ew-lous as Whitney Houston and Pete Wicks rather suits being Freddie Mercury. And he’s first out too.
Our Strictly stars™
Our 10 couples come out to wave hello. All manner of fancy dress up on that staircase. KISS face-paint! Freddie Mercury’s moustache! George Michael’s Ray-Bans! It’s a little like a primary school dress-up day.
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Behold the judges
The paddle-raising quartet make their grand entrance and they’ve full embraced the Icons theme. Motsi Mabuse is Tina Turner, Shirley Ballas is Cher, Craig Revel Horwood is resplendent as a Bee Gee and Anton Du Beke is Claudia’s Auntie Joan.
Frockwatch
Here come our presenting pair, so time for the traditional sartorial smackdown. Tess Daly is in a midnight blue tuxedo suit. Claudia Winkleman is in black sparkly dress. Claud wins.
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Roll title sequence
Clap along! Wave goodbye to the five couples we’ve lost! Bet you’ve forgotten at least one of them. Probably Nick or Tom.
Aaaaand we’re off!
Cue the traditional tension-building VT package. At least it’s not Halloween horror-themed this time. First of several squillion mentions of the word “icon” instead.
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Plump cushions, fill nibbles bowls and charge glasses. We’re about to go over live to Elstree Studios…
On your dance cards tonight
Tonight’s nine routines include not one but two Couple’s Choices, from JB Gill and Tasha Ghouri. Elsewhere it’s a pleasingly equal split of Latin and ballroom, including the fifth rumba of the series from Wynne Evans.
Just five minutes until that ba-ba-da theme tune…
Alan Carr’s Numberwang just winding up on BBC1. Maybe its sheer exposure or Stockholm syndrome but I’m starting to faintly enjoy it. Mere minutes to wait now…
Who will fall at the halfway hurdle?
As the contest gets serious, eliminations are getting tougher to call. After surviving two dance-offs in the past three weeks, Shayne Ward is the bookies’ tip for the chop, with Wynne Evans second favourite. JB Gill and Sam Quek are next in the running.
It’s anyone’s guess and all to dance for. It’s 10 minutes until the glittery curtain comes up…
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Blackpool is two weeks away
Tonight is the midway milestone of the contest - the seventh live show out of 13 - with the annual trip to Blackpool Tower Ballroom in just a fortnight. You can almost smell the fish, chips and donkey dung of the pleasure beach.
Nobody wants to miss out on the seaside special but which two couples will? Not long now until choreographic kick-off…
Fancy dress box raided again
With two themed weeks in a row, producers are certainly keeping BAFTA-winning costume designer Vicky Gill busy. Tonight we can look forward to our celebrities dressing up as Freddie Mercury, the Beatles, George Michael and Madonna among others.
It’ll be like a festival bill comprised solely of tribute acts. Fifteen minutes until glittery go-time…
Eyes down, it’s Strictly bingo
Tick them off when you spot them on-screen! Take a drink for each! Get startled by fireworks and wake up on the sofa with a crumpled face! Here’s your 10-point spotter’s guide for tonight:
Literally everyone is called a music icon, even Dave Arch
Vito Coppola gives endearingly incomprehensible balcony interview to Claudia
Shirley Ballas whips out her tiny shoes or tells the audience to “listen, you might learn something”
This year’s first of many mentions of the B-word (Blackpool)
BBC graphics department and Guardian liveblogger struggle slightly with stylisation of the name P!nk
Craig criticises somebody’s sticky-up thumb or “spotting” during spins
A celebrity gets a surprise visit from elderly grandparent/cute kid/supportive partner in the training room
Topical mention of “fireworks in the ballroom”
Anton makes a series of grunts, groans, beeps and whistles instead of a critique
Craig continues to be a great big tease by refusing to whip out his 10 paddle until Blackpool
Thumbs down for Nadiya
Amy isn’t the only Strictly pro in the wars. Ukrainian dancer Nadiya Bychkova broke her thumb in rehearsals on Wednesday, after she fell and landed on her hand.
Despite the painful injury, she will still appear on the balcony tonight and has been cleared by medics to continue taking part in group numbers. Phew. Twenty minutes until we’re back in the ballroom…
Amy off sick, Lauren steps in
We were all worried about much-loved pro Amy Dowden last week, when she collapsed backstage after the live show and was rushed to hospital, forcing her to miss Sunday’s results show. The good news is that Amy is doing much better and was well enough to appear on the It Takes Two couch last night
However, fellow professional Lauren Oakley replaced her in rehearsals this week and will partner JB Gill tonight. Hopefully it’s for one week only, as everyone is optimistic that Amy will be back to dance with JB next time. It’s 25 minutes until the clock strikes Strictly…
Another theme week beckons
Tonight’s all-new Icons Week follows hard on the cha-cha heels of last week’s Halloween spooktacular. Why not space the theme weeks out? With five special shows out of 13 - Movies, Halloween, Blackpool, Musicals and now Icons - there’s still scope to keep them a couple of weeks apart. It will be a relief to return to normality next Saturday.
There’s also been some eyebrows raised about what constitutes “Icon” status. Do P!nk and Bruno Mars really qualify, as tonight’s bill suggests? What no Rolling Stones or David Bowie? Whither Amy Winehouse and Prince?
Still, it’s time to idolise the pop greats, celebrate the classic songs and see who’ll deliver a legendary performance themselves. Half an hour until the music madness commences…
Who will thrive in Icons Week? And who won't survive?
Strictly is celebrating its midway mark with a brand new themed week. But will it be a hit like Movies and Musicals? Or a divisive hotch-potch like Around The World and BBC 100?
Good evening and welcome to week seven of Strictly Come Dancing 2024. I’m Michael, your long-distance dance partner for tonight’s show, paying tribute to some of the most influential musicians of all time. I’d love you to watch along with me as our 10 surviving pro-celebrity pairings come over like Stars In Their Eyes with added sequins.
Last weekend’s Halloween spooktacular was the highest scoring ever. Sarah Hadland and Jamie Borthwick jointly topped the scoreboard, while Dr Punam Krishan was packed off home in a pumpkin-shaped carriage. Our top 10 pro-celebrity pairs now hit the Elstree Studios dancefloor again, channelling pop legends and bidding to make it through to the business end of the competition.
As always, tonight’s scores will be combined with the public vote and the bottom two duos will dance for survival on Sunday night. So who’s in danger? It’s perhaps the hardest dance-off to predict all series. A bunch of mid-table celebrities - the likes of Shayne Ward, Pete Wicks, Wynne Evans, JB Gill and Sam Quek - all need to raise their game to secure safety.
It’s showtime at 6.30pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and gratuitous lip. So draw the curtains against the fireworks, turn the thermostat up a notch and I’ll see you on the sofa.
As always, I’d love to hear from you too. You can tweet me @michaelhogan, email me michael.hogan.freelance@guardian.co.uk and the comments section below is open for dance discussion. I’ll foxtrot down there when I can to take the temperature and report on your reactions.
How many times will we hear the words “icon” and “iconic” tonight? The mind frankly boggles. Nearly time to staaaart iconoclastically dancing!
