First ever Icons Week incoming
Thanks for watching along with me, televisual trick-or-treaters. The right result, I think, but still bittersweet.
Our 10 pairings now pass the contest’s midway mark and move on to the seventh live show - a brand-new themed week celebrating “music icons across the decades”. The mind boggles. It airs next Saturday at 6.30pm on BBC1. Meet you back here to analyse all the sequin-spangled action and quibble about overuse of the word “icon”.
In the meantime, please jot it on a sticky notelet and attach it to your fridge door: keeeeeeep dancing! Goodnight, gang.
On Amy Dowden’s absence, giroliddy says: “Poor JB looked so lonely on his own. Thank goodness he’s through.”
ReclinedPotato says of the group dance: “Carlos is going to give me nightmares, turning from Claude into Beetlejuice!”
jagadox says of the night’s musical guest: “I’m not always charmed by the Sunday ‘turn’ but Lady Blackbird is banging.”
AlanStatham adds: “Wait, what? Icons week? Bruno Mars? Icon threshold sets a new low bar.”
Updated
On Dr Punam Krishan’s departure, GreatIsMyNewt says: “She didn’t seem surprised but she hasn’t been improving at the rate of some of the others. I do wonder how much they are able to train affects their performances.”
Paperview says: “Punam in the dance-off is a cautionary tale about what happens when someone forces Gorka to do up his shirt.”
acanthe adds: “I’m glad she got to do her Couple’s Choice. That was a special one.”
Updated
Readers’ verdicts are in
Let’s conduct a swift vox pop of your comments. On Shayne Ward’s dance-off appearance, spleety says: “GASP!!! The curse of the mid-table, mid-season placing.”
Pancake01 says: “Did Shayne say something like ‘I just want people to like me’ yesterday? I think that might be his problem. A bit too much need to be liked and a bit too earnest.”
joanieloves says: “Poor Shayne. But 30 seconds of standing still waving a stick will put you in the dance-off.”
MartGray adds: “Whatever the result, it’s a win for Nancy that she didn’t have her eye put out by Shayne’s rhythmic pointer.”
Updated
TV night of horrors and terrors
Tonight’s viewing tips? I’m glad you asked. You can now stay turned to BBC1 for Antiques Roadshow or flip to BBC2 for Scotland: The New Wild on BBC2.
At 9pm, choose from fun new drama Generation Z on Channel 4, Showtrial on BBC1, Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing on BBC2, MR James: Ghost Writer on BBC4, Chimp Crazy on Sky Documentaries or DI Ray on ITV1.
If you’re in the market for a Sunday night movie, there’s The Dirty Dozen (9pm on 5Action), House Of Gucci (9pm on BBC3) or Malcolm X (10pm on BBC2). Pre-Halloween horrors include Dracula (10.30pm on Legend Xtra) or The Crazies (11pm on Sky Sci-Fi). Leave the big light on for the last two.
Gorka the Corker is due a contender
Spanish pro Gorka Márquez enhanced his reputation this year. Dr Punam Krishan was an underdog with no performance background but by steering her to the six-week mark, Gorka ensured she exceeded expectations.
In his eight years on the show, Gorka has reached three finals - with Alexandra Burke, Maisie Smith and Helen Skelton. These successful years have alternated with early-ish departures: Tameka Empson, Katie Piper, Katie McGlynn, Nikita Kanda and now Dr Punam.
The pattern suggests that Gorka will be due a promising partner next year. Could he even go all the way at last and lift the glitterball trophy? Fans of tapas and six-packs will certainly hope so.
Updated
Days might be numbered for mid-table pack
With justice done and the worst five dancers sent home, we’re left with a field of two halves. There’s the five celebrities likely to be competing for places in the grand glitterball final. To my mind, that’s Tasha Ghouri, Montell Douglas, Jamie Borthwick, Chris McCausland and Sarah Hadland.
Then there’s the five who look set for the November chop: Shayne Ward, JB Gill, Sam Quek, Wynne Evans and Pete Wicks. Any of this quintet could hit a seam of form and propel themselves into the upper echelon, of course. Barring such surprises, though, expect them to depart over the next month or so.
Updated
Terminal diagnosis for Dr Punam
No second opinion needed. She deserved to go. However, Dr Punam Krishan departs with several GP surgeries full of new fans. Averaging 22 points, she was the lowest scorer left in the contest. She’s been stuck near the bottom of the leaderboard and fortunate to escape the dance-off so far. She was always likely to leave when the red spotlight of doom did finally shine down on her.
Her highlight came in Movie Week when she had the honour of dancing the first Couple’s Choice of the series. Her Bollywood number with partner Gorka Márquez was a milestone moment of representation for the South Asian community. Punam came alive during an infectiously fun and playful routine. It scored nine from the deeply moved Motsi Mabuse and a total of 33 points, Punam’s best score by far, taking her to the dizzy heights of joint second on the leaderboard. Punam proudly dedicated the dance to her late grandfather, who passed away during the pandemic. A worthy Strictly legacy. The doctor did good.
Updated
Worst week yet for Chris
In a fright night shocker, blind comedian Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell finished joint bottom of the Saturday scoreboard. Having been flying high in third place last week, the death slot combined with low marks for their middling zombie samba to leave them tied at the foot of the standings with on 26 points.
A huge viewer favourite, Chris was always likely to be lifted clear of the dance-off by the public vote. However, he’ll still have had an edgy evening and needs to bounce back to form next week. As a rock superfan with great musicality, Icons Week should suit him down to the burial ground.
Shayne isn’t connecting with public
This time he can’t blame the curse of dancing first. Shayne Ward was consigned to the dreaded dance-off for the second time in three weeks. He was always likely to prevail over Dr Punam, having outscored her by a five-point margin on Saturday night, but it will still have been a shock for the singer-turned-actor.
Shayne clearly isn’t getting enough viewer votes, hence him tumbling from mid-table into the bottom two again. His slightly needy, navel-gazing statements about online criticism, accusations of cockiness and showing his “true self” perhaps haven’t helped his cause.
Expect him to depart in the next couple of weeks. A shame, because we’re big fans of his professional partner Nancy Xu.
Punam and Gorka’s last dance
As the departing couple take a final twirl around the ballroom to Meat Loaf’s Bat Out Of Hell (spooky), the credits roll and their castmates descend for consoling cuddles.
Please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
Gorka says hooray for Bollywood
Her pro partner Gorka Márquez returns the compliment, telling her: “It’s been incredible, a fantastic six weeks. I’m very proud of what she has achieved. She’s a GP and a mum. She had never danced before and I think she improved week by week. She’s truly what the show is about. Someone who doesn’t have experience in the performance world came here and learnt to dance. She wanted to do so well and worked so hard. I also feel very proud and honoured that we got to do a Bollywood dance to represent your culture, show your culture to the world and open doors for so many people in your culture.”
Well said, Gorkz.
Updated
Dr Punam will see you now
In her exit speech, Dr Punam Krishan tells Tess: “I am really proud of myself. I’ve taken on something that’s so out of my comfort zone. The one thing that I’ve very much learnt is to say yes more. There is no point in your life when you can stop learning new skills. I’ve learnt more than dancing, I’ve learnt so much from Gorka. It’s memories that I’ll take home forever. I’ve made friends for life.
“This is one of those things that I’ve dreamt about for years and to have one of your dreams genuinely come true is just a surreal feeling. Thank you, Gorka, for believing in me and giving me the gift of dancing. You’ve definitely sparked soomething and I want to learn more. I definitely don’t think this will be the end of my journey dancing.”
Well said. I hope she does continue dancing.
Updated
Shirley Ballas agrees
Once again, it’s unanimous. There’s only been one split decision this series, when Anton opted to keep Tom Dean over Toyah Willcox. Head judge and tiny shoe enthusiast Shirley Ballas also would’ve voted to save Shayne and Nancy.
Dr Punam Krishan is eliminated
The majority vote means that Dr Punam Krishan and Gorka Márquez become this year’s fifth pair to depart the prop-strewn Strictly dancefloor.
Anton Du Beke choose to save…
Shayne and Nancy, saying “both couples danced well but Shayne was stronger”.
Motsi Mabuse chooses to save…
Shayne and Nancy, saying “both improved by Shayne was higher level”.
Craig Revel Horwood chooses to save…
Shayne and Nancy, saying “Punam improved but Shayne styled it out brilliantly”.
Verdict time
I fear this is only going one way but you never know. Let’s consult the quartet who’ll have the final say. All the judges scored Shayne one point more than Punam last night, except Craig who scored him two more.
Updated
Shayne takes his turn
Shayne Ward and his dance partner Nancy Xu reprise their paso doble to In The Hall of The Mountain King by Edvard Grieg. The judges said last night that it had intensity and commitment but it was a confused performance which took too long to get going. Too much sizzle and not enough sausage, in the words of Len Goodman.
It scored 31 points, five more than Dr Punam, so Shayne surely just needs to avoid any howling slip-ups.
Dr Punam goes first in dance-off
Dr Punam Krishan and Gorka Márquez have another go at their tango to 80s electro-pop banger Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) by Eurythmics.
The judges said last night that it had great drama but was all a bit floppy and she lost her frame. It scored 26 points, five fewer than Shayne, so she’ll need to show considerable improvement second time around.
I’m just relieved that me and Lady Blackbird aren’t clashing. I considered wearing that outfit too tonight but thought the feathers might obstruct my typing.
Blackbird singing in the dead of Halloween night
Musical interlude now from New Mexico soul diva Marley Munroe, aka Lady Blackbird, who has been described as “the Grace Jones of jazz”. Indeed, she recorded a cover version of Slave To The Rhythm with its producer and co-writer Trevor Horn. Carlos Gu and Lauren Oakey provide the choreographic accompaniment.
Wynne hails Burley Chassis next week
More Clauditorium conversation with the safe couples. Wynne Evans reveals that he’s paying tribute to leather-lunged Welsh diva Shirley Bassey.
Meanwhile, Sam Quek is doing someone called Taylor Swift. Tasha Ghouri is performing her Couples’ Choice and says it’ll be a tearjerker.
Chris McCausland admits he had a blank before his samba and was relieved to make it through. Pete Wicks is now some sort of poster boy for otters and is being Freddie Mercury next week.
Dr Punam faces Shayne in the dance-off
No alarms and no surprises. As bookies predicted, Dr Punam Krishan and Gorka Márquez must dance again for survival.
Sam Quek is safe
So are Pete Wicks, Tasha Ghouri, Chris McCausland and Wynne Evans. Which means…
Dreaded red light returns
Now to find out who will face Shayne in the dance-off. For Halloween, there should be a thunderclap and some lightning when the spotlight illuminates. Perhaps some bats. Bwa-ha-ha.
Craig fell in love with his hair last night. A shampoo endorsement deal is surely imminent.
Highest scoring Halloween week ever
Nice stat dropped in by Clipboard Claud there.
Shirley appreciates cheeky little devil Wynne Evans’ first lifts. Craig says Pete Wicks’ confidence has kicked in.
Motsi hails Sarah Hadland’s Argentine tango as dance of the night and says it’s set the level for the rest to beat.
Dance debrief
The panel perch their pert posteriors on La Winkle’s banquette for a closer look at last night’s dances. Anton wanted more identifiable paso doble content from Shayne Ward. Craig was much more keen.
In a neat visual trick, Dianne Buswell and Michelle Tsiakkas are playing two halves of the same body. Well, Beetlejuice is the ghost with the most.
The story takes us inside Beetlejuice’s crazed mind, where every world through every door is represented by a different dance style. There’s samba, tango, jazz, musical theatre. Props include feathers, maracas, doors, bicycles and musical instruments.
It’s showtime for Beetlejuice
Tome for a suitably spookacious group number from the Strictly pros. Choreographed by Matt Flint, it’s a Beetlejuice-inspired routine, led by Carlos Gu. Well, at least he’s not dressed as Claudia Winkleman anymore, which was just too discombobulating.
Carlos is the familiar ghost in black-and-white striped suit and green hair. Say his name three times and he’ll pop up.
JB Gill and Amy Dowden will be dancing a Couple’s Choice to Bruno Mars. Team MoJo will be paying homage to Whitney Houston. And Iiiiiiiiii….
Jamie plays George Michael next week
Up on the balcony of bantz with the relieved couples who are through to Icons Week, Jamie Borthwick – who has topped the scoreboard for the second week running – reveals that he’’ll be performing to George Michael’s Faith.
Meanwhile, Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola confess that their motto in training is “What would Shirley do?”. Well, she’f whip out a pair of tiny shoes for a start.
The paddle-raising panel of Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and head judge Shirley Ballas have taken off their fancy dress. It might lack gravitas if they were still in full trick-or-treat mode during decision time.
Shayne Ward in his second dance-off
Well, that’s a slight surprise but not a mega one. Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu are consigned to the dance-off for the second time in three weeks. The curse of mid-table strikes again.
Thank goodness JB got through
With Amy Dowden absent, it was a relief that her partner JB Gill wasn’t consigned to his second consecutive dance-off. If he had been, someone would’ve needed to deputise at the last minute - presumably one of the eliminated female pros, meaning Nadiya, Karen or Luba - or he’d have been forced to withdraw, which would have been a sad way to depart.
Thankfully, JB was safe and it sounds like Amy is one the mend. Phew.
Jamie Borthwick is safe
So are Montell Douglas and JB Gill.
Red light of doom
Hold your calls and press pause on those important faxes. It’s time to find out who’s waltzing through to next week and who’s tangoing into trouble.
Amy Dowden’s absence gets brief mention. Get well soon, Amy!
Our Strictly stars™
Our 11 couples nervously await their fates. Those Frankenstein, Joker and scarecrow outfits look slightly sad the morning after, like a Halloween partygoer taking the walk of shame.
Last night’s live show rewound
A reminder of Saturday night’s action on-screen now. Fancy dress frenzy! First Argentine tango of the series! Shining twins do a chilling Charleston! Tens for Sarah Hadland, Jamie Borthwick and Tasha Ghouri!
Frockwatch
Behold our presenting pair, so let’s run the rule over their rig-outs. Tess Daly is in a PVC black bin liner. Claudia Winkleman is in a tuxedo with string tie. I think Tess might win, making it one-all this weekend.
We’re off!
Roll clap-along credits. Which of these couples is about to be sent to the pumpkin patch of dance disgrace?
Slip on your lounging cloak and insert your vampire fangs. We’re about to head back to the Elstree Studios ballroom…
Lady Blackbird flies in
Tonight’s musical guest is US jazz diva Lady Blackbird, who at least has a faintly spooky name. Lady Crow, Lady Vulture and Lady Vampire Bat were presumably washing their hair.
Just five minutes to wait now…
On BBC1 right now is agricultural stalwart Countryfile. It’s a mere 10 minutes until we swap muddy wellies for dancing shoes. Any dance-off predictions?
Ghosts and ghouls beneath the glitterball
Let’s turn on the juice and see what shakes loose. Yes, tonight’s group dance is a Beetlejuice-themed routine with all manner of props, tricks and treats. Should be quite the supernatural spectacle.
Not long now until glitter o’clock…
Updated
Nervy night for mid-table pack
A cluster of four celebrities finished directly above the bottom two on last night’s leaderboard - namely Sam Quek, Pete Wicks, Shayne Ward and Wynne Evans, who all scored 31 points.
They will all be praying that viewer votes keep them clear of danger. It’s 15 minutes until glitter o’clock…
Five perfect scores last night
We saw another flurry of maximums handed out last night. There were two 10s for Jamie Borthwick’s American smooth, two for Sarah Hadland’s Argentine tango and one for Tasha Ghouri’s samba.
Craig Revel Horwood, of course, is still to raise his perfect paddle. Don’t go changing, dah-ling. It’s 20 minutes until we’re back in the ballroom…
Can Dr Punam defy the odds?
Coming into this weekend, bookmakers’ strong favourite for elimination was TV GP Dr Punam Krishan. She duly finished bottom of the scoreboard, alongside Chris McCausland.
Will voting viewers ride to their rescue? If so, could we see our first shock result of the series? Twenty five minutes until we get our first clues…
Get well soon, Amy
Due to unforeseen circumstances, much-loved Welsh pro Amy Dowden is unable to appear in tonight’s results show. Worrying reports overnight said that she was rushed to hospital after collapsing backstage following the main show. Amy has Crohns Disease and has been battling cancer, of course, so an ambulance was called as a precaution.
According to a spokesperson: “She is feeling much better and would like to thank the Strictly family for their love and concern.” Good news.
I’m sure we all wish her well and very much hope she’s back next week. And hey, at least there was a doctor in the house. Punam Krishan’s presence could have come in handy.
For whom will the Halloween bell toll?
The creepy curse is about to spell doom for one duo. Good evening and welcome to the fifth elimination of Strictly Come Dancing 2024. I’m Michael, your devilish dance partner for tonight’s results show. Please watch along with me as the fifth celebrity is sent home, falling agonisingly short of next weekend’s midway milestone and missing out on next Saturday’s first ever Icons Week.
Following last night’s spooktacular fancy-dressed live show, our 11 surviving pro-celebrity pairings will be whittled down to a terrifying 10. The judges’ scores have been combined with the public vote and tonight the bottom two will dance-off for survival. So who’s at risk?
Media medic Dr Punam Krishan and, more surprisingly, comedian Chris McCausland were left joint bottom of the Halloween leaderboard but will voting viewers agree? If not, the likes of Pete Wicks, Sam Quek, Shayne Ward or Wynne Evans could be in demonic danger.
It’s showtime at 7.20pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6.50pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and pumpkin-spiced sarcasm. So pour yourself a love potion (I’d recommend no 9 on the drinks list) and see you on the sofa.
As always, I’d also love to hear from you. You can tweet me @michaelhogan, email me at michael.hogan.freelance@guardian.co.uk and the comments section below is open for Halloween hubbub. I’ll samba-bounce down there Whenever I can to gauge your reaction, chuckle at your observations and report on your comments.
Someone’s going home in a pumpkin-shaped carriage. Nearly time to staaaaaart spooky eliminating!
Fang you and goodnight
That completes Saturday’s blood-spattered liveblog but this weekend’s Halloween hoofing isn’t over yet. Meet you back here for the results show, which airs at 7.20pm Sunday on BBC1. I’ll fire up the magic blogging contraption at 6.50pm for build-up, so please rejoin me then. In the meantime, I’m @michaelhogan on Twitter, so do creep up behind me and say boo.
Thanks for watching along with me. Your comments have undoubtedly been treats, not tricks. Don’t forget to put your clocks back an hour tonight. Yes, even the ones on the microwave and car dashboard.
See you tomorrow but in the meantime, keeeeeep spooky dancing! I bid you a ghostly goodnight.
Finally, on the Halloween costume ludicrousness, Jdhughes16 says: “Craig and Anton - utter genius and hysterically funny!”
whistledownthewind says: “Seeing Craig and Anton doing Charleston dance moves as the scary twins from The Shining is almost worth the price of the BBC licence fee in itself!”
irreverentnurse says: “Anton looks like one of my old nurse managers.” To which lordylovesasprout replies: “Gosh, yes! I was wondering why I started to shake and sweat. Even heard my name being bellowed down the ward. Ah, the 1970s.”
Gardener_Maidhc says: “I swear Anton was the mean dinner lady who hated all children from my infant school with that wig.”
RichIrwinTN adds: “I am expecting Gorka to say: ‘Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die’.”
Updated
On Sam Quek’s show-closing jive, MartGray says: “That was Sam’s best. It must be hard doing two dances in one.”
On tonight’s music, Acanthe says: “Can we just raise a glass to Dave Arch & his wunnerful orchestra? What a variety of music they get around.”
On Sarah Hadland’s Argentine tango, TeeDubyaBee: “Sarah & Vito killed that. Superb.”
VirgilHilts says: “Instead of just starting their dance, Sarah and Vito decided to have a couple of rounds of Sexy Twister.”
FewerNotLess adds: “How can that be a 10 when the first lift was so ragged?”
Updated
On Jamie Borthwick, G1adys says: “Jamie is quietly moving through the weeks, without entering the favourites-to-win category… yet? I’d like to see him in the final. Michelle has killed the Wednesday Addams look tonight.”
dAsgoyne adds: “Enjoyed that. And shout-out to Michelle because she is doing a really good job with Jamie as her first partner on the show.”
Updated
On Shayne Ward’s paso doble, diamondcat says: “I like the idea of a mad composer. It makes a change from bullfighting and Shayne is giving it his all. I do wish that the judges would remember that the celebs can only dance the steps that they’re given - they’re not the choreographers.”
Somersetlass says: “Wow, shout-out to the band for that rendition of Hall of the Mountain King. As for the dance, far too much faffin’ abaht, which was all very dramatic but Shayne barely danced at all. Nancy did amazingly though.”
Magnoliatree says: “Shayne and Nancy! Wipes brow with lace hanky. Theatrical and very good.”
YodaknowsAll adds: “What great choreography in that paso. Would have liked a tad more shaping from Shane and they could have started dancing earlier.”
Updated
On JB Gill’s foxtrot, SecretPuddleJumper says: “Well, that is scary stuff. I’ve long assumed Toploader are playing on a loop in hell.”
lester48 says: “Oooh, I’ve got a craving now for a Starbucks Pumpkin Spiced Latte.”
emilyscatnaps adds: “I feel like the foxtrot is one of those dances that deserves tails at the very least (if not top hat). Poor JB has got to do it in baggy dungarees. With colourful patches. I liked it, JB, and I hope your costume hasn’t gone against you #justiceforAston.”
Updated
On Montell Douglas, MarkRoche says: “It takes someone special to keep my eyes off Johannes. Montell has got it! Such a star.”
Storm adds: “I know it’s out of sequence but Jojo’s reaction to Craig’s nine was joyous. You would think he was the celebrity in the pair from his reaction.”
On Wynne Evans, meanwhile, Heartticker says: “I didn’t really enjoy that salsa from Wynne and Katya. Felt it was a little bit like a circus performance, rather than a dance.”
ButterflyBlu adds: “Wynne’s dance was never worth eights!”
Updated
Lots of love for Pete Wicks. 1991fab says: “Pete’s best dance so far! I loved it and especially the character! Great job!”
Shazza2704 says: “I loved that from Pete. He looks the part and the choreography was top notch. Well done make-up too, he could be Joaquin’s stunt double!”
Somersetlass says: “Pete looks less scary tonight than last week, tbh. That was quite a spectacular dance; his best yet.”
KarimaKat adds: “Not a fan of the chucking round of Jowita like a rag doll. Viennese is meant to be elegant but this silly Halloween dressing-up kind of spoils that I guess. All about ‘characterisation’, sigh.”
Updated
Readers have spoken
Verdicts are in from the creepy comments section. On Chris McCausland, Vicc says: “Oh dear. The first dance. And the samba. Chris and Dianne may really need our votes!”
Diamondcat says of Dr Punam: “Punam and Gorka’s tango seemed to take ages to get going and having got going, then stopped. I know Craig said that it had ‘intensity and drama’ but I didn’t see any drama happening - it all seemed very underpowered. They did look lovely, though.”
Updated
Golden Glitterballs: Ghoulish Edition
Who’s taking home the skull-shaped prizes on fright night? Here are this week’s liveblog gong-getters…
Best dance: Sarah Hadland’s Argentine tango takes the prize, with Jamie’s American smooth and Tasha’s samba just behind.
Worst dance: Dr Punam again. She deserves to go now.
Best music choice: Frank Sinatra or The Fugees for me.
Worst music choice: Just when Toploader couldn’t get any worse, some CGI birds squawked at us. Where are those zombie scarecrows when you need them? Or an augmented reality shotgun?
Best outfit: Vito Coppola looked hot in a Paul-Rudd-playing-Amadeus way, while Craig and Anton as the Shining twins were comedically creepy.
Worst outfit: Take your pick from Wynne’s devil outfit, the lame scarecrows or Carlos Gu dressed as Claudia’s disturbing doppelgänger on the balcony.
Best judges’ comment: Anton on his Shining outfit: “I know what you’re thinking. I’ve never looked more attractive.” Craig’s reply? “So glad I had two of these at home, sister.”
Worst VT: Lots of horror cheese but Shayne “pranking” Nancy was particularly lame.
Best Claudia quip: Her deadpan bafflement at Amy Dowden explaining the feather step. As La Winkle would be the first to tell you, just because she’s been here a decade doesn’t mean that she knows anything about dancing.
Updated
Leaderboard highs, hoofing lows
On a high-scoring, high-quality night, Sarah Hadland and Jamie Borthwick jointly top the spooky standings, with Tasha Ghouri in third spot. Dr Punam Krishan and Chris McCausland, more surprisingly, are joint bottom.
As always, though the viewer vote helps decide who’ll be consigned to tomorrow night’s dreaded dance-off. Wynne Evans, Sam Quek and Shayne Ward might also fear the blood-red spotlight of doom.
Scandi crime or exotic train travel on TV tonight
You can now flip to ITV1 for The Voice final or to BBC2 for a compilation of sad songs (better than it sounds, promise). At 9pm, Nordic noir Justice: Those Who Kill returns to BBC4. At 9.10pm, Professor Alice Roberts’ new travelogue Ottoman Empire by Train starts on Channel 4 or there’s Dusty Springfield at the BBC on BBC2.
Film-wise, at 9pm there’s a choice between Out of Sight on Legend or True Lies on Comedy Central. At 10.10pm, David Bowie documentary Moonage Daydream is on Channel 4. At 11.10pm, continue the Halloween theme with Norwegian chiller The Innocents is on Film4. Well, what could be more relaxing than some murderous telepathic children?
Credits roll
“Keeeeeep dancing,” our hosts howl at the moon. Claudia sweetly tells Tess “You are the hocus to my pocus”. As the jack-o-lanterns are extinguished and the pumpkins repurposed as soup, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
Tonight’s routines get recapped on-screen. Which supernaturally good duo are you voting for? Which terrifyingly bad pair are you definitely not?
And the voting lines are… open!
The usual mayhem erupts, this week with a Halloween twist. Wynne singing! Ghostly cardboard cut-outs! Remember to vote for your favourites if you don’t want a dance-off horror show tomorrow.
Judges’ scores for Sam and Nikita: 7, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 31 points. Her best yet but potential dance-off danger.
Updated
Judges’ comments for Sam and Nikita: Motsi says “the cherry on top of a great show, fun but waned more coordination”. Shirley says “started well but got a bit wonky”. Anton says “we’ve been outdone in the costume department, sister, made mistakes but you’ve got so much promise”. Craig concludes “timing and sync got out, upper body needs work but kicks and flick magnificent, bravo”. Comments as much about the night overall, rather than Sam. Eights?
Sam and Nikita’s jive
Hockey star Sam Quek was gutted to make mistakes during last week’s quickstep and, ferociously competitive as she is, is determined to bounce back strongly and has been working hard. Can she kick and flick her way up the leaderboard? She’s relishing the character of Janet here, looking great in the wig and doing a rare bit of acting (“Brad, where are you?”). An exhausting routine with lots of fast footwork. They took the judges’ advice and banned mirrors from the training room this week to improve Sam’s peripheral vision and sharpen her timing. A sort of black lacy Bucks Fizz strip but they lost timing in several patches. Great entertainment but too many mistakes for me.
Song: Time Warp from The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The signature song from Richard O’Brien’s 1973 horror musical has soundtracked Strictly jives before from Charles Venn and Jamelia.
Updated
Judges’ scores for Sarah and Vito: 9, 10, 9, 10 for a total of 38 points. Joint top of the scoreboard. Meltdown on Miranda Hart’s WhatsApp group.
Judges’ comments for Sarah and Vito: Craig says “a problem with the first lift and missing passes but wonderful”. Motsi says “dance of the night”. Shirley says “spectacular, fantastic lifts, worked as a team, had it all going on”. Anton concludes “best legs in the competition, agree with Motsi, best tonight”. One nine and three 10s hoving into view?
Sarah and Vito’s Argentine tango
The first Argentine of the series now. Always a big moment. to Ready Or Not by Fugees. Goth feel as Sarah Hadland wakes up in bed, wearing a soft white dress and kicking her legs, to see Vito Coppola appear to her in spirit. An intense, icy feel. Lots of lifts, spins and sharp leg kicks. A challenging routine requiring balance, strength and control. Powerful, expressive and passionate with intricate foot movements and changes of gear. Fiery passion and intense chemistry. Perhaps lacking some body contact but for an icy routine, that was hawt. Wow.
Song: Ready Or Not by Fugees. The 1996 hit contained a sample from Irish new age popstress Enya, who considered suing but eventually settled out of court when she heard and liked the song.
Updated
Judges’ scores for Jamie and Michelle: 9, 10 (dropped her paddle briefly there, ruining the impact), 10, 9 for a total of 38 points. A tiny bit overmarked for me but top of the leaderboard with dances two to go.
Updated
Judges’ comments for Jamie and Michelle: Anton says “joyous, you’re so good, just learn to love it”. Craig says “in-credible”. Motsi says “improving, amazing, just lighten up a little bit”. Shirley concludes “pure genius, easy on the eye, what a partnership is developing”. Eights and nines?
Jamie and Michelle’s American smooth
EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick has been going from strength to strength. He’s the only celebrity to have improved his score every week, culminating in him topping the leaderboard last week with a near-perfect 39 points for his traditional, authentic paso doble. Now he’s back in ballroom hold with foxtrot steps, lifts and wow factor. They’re playing Addams siblings Wednesday and Pugsley. Swing-ography to start. Maintaining his frame, use his feet and knees for glide and moving smoothly across the floor eventually, after some jerky messin’ abaht to start. Role reversal lifts, then a bit spin to finish. Enjoyable if not very American smoothy.
Song: The Addams Family Theme by Vic Mizzy. The finger-snapping theme for the 1964 TV series also featured prominently in recent Netflix spin-off Wednesday. Michelle Visage and Scott Mills both foxtrotted to it in previous series - Michelle with more success, scoring 39 points. Scott’s got a mere 21 and he was promptly eliminated. Oops.
Updated
Do we think Craig and Anton are enjoying being The Shining twins a bit too much?
Updated
Judges’ scores for Shayne and Nancy: 8, 8, 7, 8 for a total of 31 points. Mid-ranking.
Updated
Judges’ comments for Shayne and Nancy: Motsi says “intensity, commitment, sharpness and energy, just start it earlier”. Shirley says “confused performance, took too long for you to take a step but fabulous knee walks and commitment”. Anton says “theatrically magnificent but the paso part suffered, too much sizzle and not enough sausage, as Len would say, bless him”. Nice nod. Craig concludes “disagree, refreshing, you lived it and drove, congratulations”. Sevens and eights?
Updated
Shayne and Nancy’s paso doble
In a high-concept paso, bewigged Shayne Ward is a wizard conductor and Nancy Xu represents the musical notes. He’s controlling her and moving her around the floor. Takes too long to resemble a paso but once it does, strong posture and fast feet. Frame falls and lacks that all-important banana shape for a while but improved after the knee walks. Intensity, control and playing the proud matador character pretty well. Jamie Borthwick scored 39 points for his paso last week. Surely won’t match that but a strong finish and dramatic concept.
Song: In The Hall of the Mountain King by Grieg. The ominous orchestral piece from Peer Gynt inspired the Inspector Gadget theme song, rather brilliantly.
Updated
Judges’ scores for Tasha and Aljaž: 9, 9, 9, 10 for a total of 37 points. Highest Halloween samba ever and top of the pops so far.
Updated
Judges’ comments for Tasha and Aljaž: Shirley says “combined character and technique, very impressive”. Anton says “Gorka wants his body back, you’re an exceptional dancer, bounced back brilliantly well from last week”. Craig says “a-may-zing”. Motsi concludes “outstanding”. Nines en route? A terrifying 10?
Tasha and Aljaž’s samba
Tasha Ghouri suffered a rare dip for last week’s bumpy tango but with 172 points across five weeks, they’re still the contest’s highest scoring couple in 20 years, with three points more more than Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin at his stage. I know, right? It’s a fun, family-friendly, Franken-samba with them playing a creature couple. Technically tricky, robotic before it loosens up, lots of hip work, plenty of voltas. Body ripples and bounce. Travelling around the floor well with speed and changes of rhythm. Tiny timing snafu, I thought, but leg lift to end and all-round terrific.
Song: I Like to Move It by Reel 2 Real. The 1993 ragga-house hit was originally released on aptly named US record label Strictly Rhythm. It has since become familiar from the Madagascar film franchise. Simon Webbe and Kristina Rihanoff danced a Strictly samba to it a decade ago.
Updated
Judges’ scores for JB and Amy: 7, 9, 8, 8 for a total of 32 points. Highest foxtrot of the series. Second place at the midway mark.
Updated
Judges’ comments for JB and Amy: Motsi says “charming scarecrows, you’re a ballroom boy, led well, fundamentals and transitions on-point”. Shirley says “difficult steps done well, fantastic footwork very impressive for me”. Anton says “lost shape a bit, square it up, otherwise super-duper”. Craig concludes “felt too technical and clockwork, bum stuck out, you’re a lovely dancer but go a little bit further”. Sevens and eights, do we think?
JB and Amy’s foxtrot
The surprise dance-off survivors are back in their comfort zone. JB Gill is something of a ballroom boy who loves being in hold. They’re playing scarecrows who come to life on a pumpkin farm in the moonlight. A nice nod to JB’s agricultural day job and cutesy storytelling. Glide and gorgeous frame. Sweet and lovely, although the theme got in the way of the foxtrot’s elegance.
Song: Dancing In The Moonlight by Toploader. The 2000 cover of the 1970 Boffalongo original. Strangely, Toploader performed at both the Conservative and Labour Party conferences last year. A cynic might suggest it almost like they’ll do anything for a few quid.
Updated
Carlos Gu dressed as Claudia on the balcony is mildly disorientating. Just me?
Judges’ scores for Wynne and Katya: 7, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 31 points. Mid-table as it stands.
Judges’ comments for Wynne and Katya: Craig says “dancing too wide, lacked fluidity but loved those lifts, born entertainer”. Motsi says “you bring the sunshine and keep pushing it”. Shirley says “brave lifts, good steps but work on your rotation”, making the Shining twins reluctantly do a demo time. Anton concludes “you were Katya-ed and didn’t die, well done, keep doing the cardio, you’re going to need it”. Eights incoming?
Updated
Wynne and Katya’s salsa
Another frothy routine for Wynne, following last year’s slapstick quickstep, to help shake off the lingering whiff of the “handgate” scandal. Katya apparently kneed him in the head practising their lifts this week. Wynne has great rhythm and musicality but needs technique too. Devilish outfits and a long shoulder lift to start. Katya barely touches the floor for the opening 30 seconds. Side-by-side stuff, shimmies and shakes. Huge fun, if lacking in spicy salsa flavour.
Song: Canned Heat by Jamiroquai. The cat-in-the-hat performed it live in the Strictly ballroom back in 2006. The 1999 nu-disco funk hit was also used in the climactic dance scene of cult film Napoleon Dynamite.
Updated
Judges’ scores for Punam and Gorka: 6, 7, 6, 7 for a total of 26 points. Her second best but I suspect dance-off danger.
Updated
Judges’ comments for Punam and Gorka: Anton says “great drama but all a bit floppy, believe in yourself a bit more”. Craig says “Gorka was dragging you around, lost frame but you had intensity”. Motsi says “I disagree, I saw commitment, energy and improvement but exaggerate and commit”. Shirley concludes “intention and expression, now get tidier in the legs and feet”. Sixes and the odd seven, do we reckon?
Punam and Gorka’s tango
The bookies’ favourite to go home this weekend bid to defy the odds. They’re playing undead pirates from a ghost ship. Punam’s sporting a shredded black and red dress. Short, sharp movements. Having a decent crack at the required passion, drama and intensity but lacking staccato. Not enough content in hold for me. They should be glued together, lying low and moving as one but the hold isn’t quite compact enough. Fun but wobbly.
Song: Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) by Eurythmics. Synth-pop duo Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart’s breakthrough 1983 hit is a bit of a favourite for Strictly tangos. Both Jonnie Peacock and Sophie Ellis-Bextor danced to it in previous series.
Judges’ scores for Montell and Jojo: 9, 9, 9, 8 for a total of 35 points. Highest cha cha of the series and top of the scoreboard so far.
Updated
Judges’ comments for Montell and Jojo: Craig says “the potion worked, loved it”. Motsi says “great body action, fiery and stunning”. The Queen of Latin says “fundamentals, hip motion, simply breathtaking”. Anton concludes “marvellous, strong performance, but I’d like faster leg speed”. Eights ahoy? Maybe a nine?
Updated
Montell and Jojo’s cha cha cha
Confidence should be high for this loveable couple after last week’s milestone Couple’s Choice moment, which closed the show and notched a near-perfect 39 points - the joint highest scote of the series so far. Now Team MoJo back to Latin for the first time in four weeks. She’s making a concoction to play a trick on Johannes. Slightly wonky opening, then gets going. Flirty Cuban disco feel. Fast and controlled, then a little mistake in front of the judges, I think. Bags of fun ad her second strong week running.
Song: Love Potion No. 9 by The Clovers. This 1959 rock song famously appeared on the soundtrack to George Lucas’ American Graffiti. It was later covered by The Searchers, Elkie Brooks, The White Stripes and The Tygers of Pan Tang. Ed “Glitter” Balls danced a cha cha cha to it on the 2016 Halloween special, which the producers might be hoping we’d forgotten.
Updated
Judges’ scores for Pete and Jowita: 7, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 31 points. His highest score. No joke(r).
Judges’ comments for Pete and Jowita: Pete says he was in jail for last week’s illegal lifts. Shirley says “no joke when it comes to the dancing, lovely footwork and frame, get steady on those wobbly feet but be proud”. Anton says “your best dance (agree!), you’re growing which is a joy to see, not perfect yet but terribly good”. Craig says “a bit behind the music but formidable characterisation”. Motsi concludes “best performance so far, you moved and led well, biggest step yet”. Sevens, do we think? Maybe an eight?
Pete and Jowita’s Viennese waltz
Pete Wicks is relishing the chance to play one of his favourite film characters, the Joker. Jowita is Harley Quinn in a red ruffled, frilly dress. Pete’s been calling it “the Viennetta walk” in training this week, which is a worrying sign. He starts in Arkham asylum, miming along, then emerges from behind bars and gets into hold. Gliding romantically around the floor with plenty of dizzying spins. Not sure the footwork is all there and they’re not quite flying flat but a confident performance and cracking mood. End up on the floor. Fun.
Song: That’s Life by Frank Sinatra. The 1966 recording soundtracked the final scene of 2019 Joker and was reprised by Lady Gaga in this year’s sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux. Ore Oduba performed a Viennese to it in Blackpool, scored 38 points and went on to lift the glitterball trophy. No pressure, Pete.
Updated
Coxy on the Ts & Cs
The glorious Sara Cox is this week’s Clauditorium guest, reading out the voting smallprint. Loved her since The Girlie Show.
Judges’ scores for Chris and Dianne: 5 (boo!), 7, 7, 7 for a total of 26 points. Not dance-off danger, surely?
Updated
Judges’ comments for Chris and Dianne: “Be nice or I’ll eat your brains,” Chris tells the judges. Motsi says “nailed the character, you did more than stay alive, you survived the opening”. Shirley says “overcooked the bounce but content and characterisation fabulous”. Anton says “went through the step and lacked fluidity but timing exceptional”. Craig concludes “too much hopping, needed stretch and smoothness, shoulders raised, no hip action on the voltas but immaculate rhythm and magnificent acting”. Scary sevens, do we say?
Updated
Chris and Dianne’s samba
Uh-oh. Out first with a samba. Double danger. He moved many viewers to tears with last week’s You’ll Never Walk Alone waltz. Now can Chris McCausland get the party started? The samba has claimed two victims already this series. Surely it won’t make it three here? We start in a spooky graveyard where cadaver Chris and decomposing Dianne Buswell rise from the dead for their annual disco dance. Chris has complained amusingly that Latin is “too knackering” and he lacks the requisite hips but he’s doing a respectable job. Disco vibes and plenty of party spirit. Flat-footed, though, and perhaps his most hesitant performance yet. The Rio carnival zombies have come alive for one night only, so they return to their graves at the end. RIP.
Song: Stayin Alive’ by The Bee Gees. The 1977 disco hit from Saturday Night Fever also soundtracked Davood Ghadami’s samba during the 2017 series.
Updated
Our Strictly stars™
Our 11 couples emerge and they’ve all been raiding the creepy costume box. Werewolves! Devils! Zombies! Ghostly pirates! Spooky scarecrows! It’s like a primary school dress-up day on that staircase.
Judges rise from the grave
The paddle-raising quartet arrive in full fancy dress. Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood have come as the twins from The Shining. Don’t have nightmares, kids.
Frockwatch
Here come our hosts, so let’s compare their fright night finery. Tess Daly has come as a pearl queen qwith weird sleeves. Claudia Winkleman is in chic black frock and blazer. Claud wins.
Roll title sequence
Four of these couples have bitten the dance dust already. Who’ll be next to join them in the glittery graveyard?
Aaaaand we’re off!
Cue the compulsory spook-themed VT. Craig Revel Horwood in bed. Not a coffin, surprisingly.
Open your creaking coffin lids and lurch out into the moonlight, cackling in a sinister manner. We’re about to go live to the Elstree Studios ballroom…
Alan Carr’s Picture Slam just reaching its bifocal climax on BBC1 now. It’s enough to make you pine for the good ole days of Pointless Celebrities.
Not long now, fancy footwork fans…
Icons Week is the prize
Tonight’s couples are bidding to make it through to Strictly’s first ever Icons Week next Saturday, when routines will celebrate “music icons across the decades”.
Let’s hope it’s more of a success than Around The World Week a decade ago (remember that?). Ten minutes until the chilling church bell tolls…
BBC fancy dress box raided
We can look forward to the traditional outlandish costumes and theming overload tonight. Our couples will be channelling the Addams family, the Rocky Horror Picture Show, and the Joker and Harley Quinn, alongside a whole gamut of ghostly randomness.
Dig out your animal ears because it’ll be like a Mean Girls costume party in that ballroom. So fetch. A mere 15 minutes until trick-or-treat time…
Bwa-ha-ha, it’s Halloween horror show bingo
Tick them off when they happen on-screen! Take a drink for each! End up apple-bobbing with a bolt through your neck and clown make-up you can’t remember applying! Here’s your 10-point spotter’s guide for tonight:
Every VT has a hammed-up horror film theme
Judges wield pumpkin or ghost-shaped scoring paddles
Someone begins their routine by climbing out of a coffin, giving us Nancy Dell’Olio flashbacks
Halloween prop overload means too much “messin’ abaht” and dances take ages to get going
Routine “enhanced” and “augmented” by shonky CGI creatures
Someone has a disembodied hand on their shoulder
Craig describes a dodgy dance as “a horror show, darling”
Someone’s face is painted green and the make-up transfers to their partner’s cheek during the dance
Band leader Dave Arch is dressed as a baton-wielding werewolf or vampire
The production team’s names are “spookified” with Halloween puns on the end credits
On your dance cards tonight
Tonight sees the most varied hoofing repertoire of the series so far, with 10 different dance styles on display. The only overlap is two sambas (from Chris McCausland and Tasha Ghouri). Most excitingly of all, we’ll be treated to the first Argentine tango of the series, courtesy of Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola.
Twenty minutes until the witching hour…
Slot of doom or dance of death?
Based on the 2024 series so far, being on first and performing a samba could prove fatal. Three times in four weeks, the couple who danced first on Saturday night went on to appear in Sunday’s dance-off (this fate has befallen Tom Dean, Shayne Ward and JB Gill).
Meanwhile, two of the four eliminated couples went out on a samba (namely Toyah Willcox and Paul Merson).
Keep an eye on the running order tonight for potential portents. It’s 25 minutes to creepy kick-off…
Fifth elimination looms
Media medic Dr Punam Krishan is the bookies’ strong favourite for elimination this weekend, having languished near the bottom of the scoreboard every week but one. She also has the lowest average score of any surviving celebrity.
But will tonight’s scoring paddles and the public vote go according to form? Sam Quek and Pete Wicks are the next most widely tipped for the exit door. Could Halloween characterisation help them to safety? Less than half an hour until we get our first choreographic clues…
A spooky Strictly milestone
Twinkle-toed trick or technical treat? Good evening and welcome to week six of Strictly Come Dancing 2024. I’m Michael, your undead dance partner for tonight’s annual spooktacular - this year’s second themed show and another milestone on the road to glittery glory. I’d love you to watch along with me as our pro-celebrity pairs perform Halloween-themed routines. It promises to be a scream.
Last week saw more perfect 10s, this time for Montell Douglas and Jamie Borthwick, while dad-dancing footballer Paul Merson was given the red card.
Our surviving 11 pro-celebrity pairs now don phantasmagorical fancy dress and hit the Elstree dancefloor once again, bidding to make it to the contest’s midway mark next weekend. As per usual, tonight’s scores will be combined with the public vote. The two lowest-ranked couples will hoof again for survival on Sunday night.
Who’ll fall victim to fright night and fall short of the halfway point? Dr Puman Krishanlooks in the most danger. Sam Quek and Pete Wicks could also be vulnerable, while Shayne Ward and JB Gill have made shock appearances in the dance-off in recent weeks. Amid the Halloween frenzy, it’s all to hoof for.
It’s spooky showtime at 6.25pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 5.55pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and pumpkin-spiced asides. So pour a bubbling chalice of magic potion, stock up on skull-shaped snacks and I’ll see you on the cobweb-draped 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 ghoulish gossip. I’ll zombie-shuffle down there from time-to-time to eavesdrop and report on your reactions.
Someone’s Halloween is set to be a horror show. Nearly time to staaaart spooky dancing!
