Strictly Come Dancing returned to BBC One tonight for week seven of the show with a special theme, though professional dancer Amy Dowden was unable to dance following a health emergency.
The Welsh dancer, who is partnered with JLS singer JB Gill, fell ill during the filming of last week’s live show (26 October). An ambulance was summoned to Elstree Studios in Borehamwood and the 34-year-old was taken to hospital. A spokesperson for the dancer later said that the ambulance was “just a precaution”.
Fellow pro dancer Lauren Oakley instead partnered with Gill for the Couple’s Choice, which won high praise from the judges and landed the JLS star his first 10s of the series. Dowden joined the pair in the Clauditorium as the scores were delivered and became emotional as the numbers were revealed.
Icons Week is celebrating 20 years of Strictly Come Dancing with couples dancing to songs by music legends such as Whitney Houston, Shirley Bassey and Queen.
Gill and Oakley topped the leaderboard along with Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec, who performed a Couple’s Choice to “What About Us” by P!nk. Both pairs landed totals of 39, with Craig Revel Horwood still yet to reach for his 10 paddle.
Another standout performance came from Sarah Hadland, who transformed into Madonna for a dramatic Cha Cha. She finished in third place on the leaderboard.
Key Points
- Strictly Come Dancing reveals songs and dances for first Icons Week
- Dr Punam Krishan was the fifth celebrity eliminated
- Sarah Hadland impresses with Madonna tribute
- Amy Dowden in tears as JB Gill receives his first 10s
- Tasha Ghouri wows with an emotional Couple’s Choice
Who is replacing Amy Dowden?
13:00 , Greg EvansLauren Oakley will be dancing with JB Gill on this week’s addition of the show, replacing Amy Dowden who is unable to take part.
A spokesperson for Strictly Come Dancing added: “Amy Dowden MBE is doing much better and the Strictly family send her love and wish her well.
“She is delighted that fellow professional dancer, Lauren Oakley, is able to step in for rehearsals and to perform in Saturday’s show for JB Gill’s couple’s choice dance. We are all hopeful that Amy will be back to dance with JB next week.”
Dowden’s management company said she was “resting” and would be supporting Gill and Oakley during this weekend’s show.
Strictly bosses previously announced that Oakley would train with Gill on Monday, but since confirmed that the pair would stay together for the rest of the week, including for the performance on Saturday and the results show on Sunday.Oakley, who came eighth when partnered with Channel 4 News presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy in the show’s previous season, did not have a partner this year. She joined the show in 2022.
Read more below:
Who is replacing Amy Dowden on Strictly this week and will she return after live show collapse?
Strictly Come Dancing reveals songs and dances for first Icons Week
13:30 , Greg EvansTo celebrate 20 years of Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC dancing competition has launched a brand new theme: Icons Week.
The theme will celebrate the songs of music legends such as Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Shirley Bassey, Queen, George Michael and KISS.
Find the full list of songs and dances for Icons Week below:
Chris McCausland and Dianne will dance a Tango to “Rock and Roll All Nite” by KISS
Jamie Borthwick and Michelle will dance a Samba to “Faith” by George Michael
JB Gill and Amy Dowden’s stand-in Lauren will dance a Couple’s Choice to a Bruno Mars Medley
Montell Douglas and Johannes will dance a Waltz to “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
Pete Wicks and Jowita will dance a Salsa to “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen
Sam Quek and Nikita will dance an American Smooth to “Love Story (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift
Sarah Hadland and Vito will dance a Cha Cha to “Like a Prayer” by Madonna
Shayne Ward and Nancy will dance a Quickstep to “Help!” by The Beatles
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz will dance a Couple’s Choice to “What About Us” by P!nk
Wynne Evans and Katya will dance a Rumba to “This Is My Life” by Shirley Bassey
Strictly Come Dancing reveals songs and dances for first ‘Icons Week’
Dr Punam Krishan was the fifth celebrity eliminated
14:00 , Greg EvansDr Punam Krishan was the fifth contestant to be eliminated from the show after losing out to Shayne Ward in last Sunday’s dance off.
Krishan, and her pro partner Gorka Márquez, who were placed in the dance-off opposite Ward and his partner Nancy Xu.
Krishan and Márquez performed their Tango to “Sweet Dreams” by Eurythmics, followed by Ward and Xu who once again danced their Paso Doble to “In The Hall of The Mountain King” by Edvard Grieg.
Krishan was ultimately eliminated from the series followed by a unanimous vote from the judges.
Asked about her time on the compeition, Krishan said: “I am really proud of myself. You know 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, and that 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. Everyone’s been so incredible and it’s just memories that I’ll take home forever and I am very proud. I’ve made my family very proud, I’m just really grateful.”
When host Tess Daly asked whether the TV doctor’s family are proud, she responded: “They really are. My kids are so proud, my parents, my husband, everyone. This is just one of those things that I have dreamt about for years and I think to have one of your dreams genuinely come true is just a surreal feeling. Week after week it’s been incredible, I’ve made friends for life and everyone’s just been so kind, so thank you.”
Her partner Márquez said: “It’s been incredible, it’s been 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.”
“I think she is truly what the show is about, someone who doesn’t have experience in the performance world came here and learnt to dance,” he continued. “She wanted to do so well and worked so hard. Also I feel very proud and very 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.”
Krishan added: “Thank you. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for giving me the gift of dancing. I’ve never danced before, but you’ve definitely sparked so much dancing. I want to learn more, and I definitely don’t think this will be the end of my journey dancing.”
Amy Dowden appears in first TV interview after live show collapse
14:30 , Greg EvansAmy Dowden has given her first live TV interview after collapsing backstage during last week’s live show.
The dancer appeared on Strictly spin-off It Takes Two on Friday (1 November), after it was revealed earlier this week she will not be dancing in this Saturday’s live show with partner JB Gill.
Dowden, 34, who only returned to the competition this year following treatment for breast cancer, told host Janette Manrara she is feeling “much better”.
She also thanked fans for their well wishes and praised partner Gill for his support.
Dowden said: “JB’s been so supportive of me... the pair of them just messaged all week.”
Strictly’s Amy Dowden appears in first TV interview after live show collapse
Strictly’s JB Gill thanks public for support after Amy Dowden illness
15:00 , Greg EvansJB Gill has thanked the public for their support following Dowden’s illness.
Writing on Instagram, Gill said: “On behalf of both Amy Dowden and I, I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone for voting for us and wishing us well.
“We absolutely loved our performance on Saturday night and are so grateful to be through to another week on @bbcstrictly. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your support.”
Gill stood alone on stage as the results were read out, which saw him and Dowden escape being in the bottom two.
Strictly’s JB Gill thanks public for support after Amy Dowden illness
Professional dancer injured during rehearsals
15:30 , Greg EvansAnother professional dancer, Nadiya Bychkova suffered a freak injury during rehearsals.
Bychkova was partnered with swimmer Tom Dean but was surprisingly eliminated first in the latest season of the BBC show but has continued to take part in the group dances and result show performances.
The Sun reports that she suffered the injury when she landed on her hand during Wednesday’s rehearsals and was treated on set by professionals.
Bychkova will reportedly appear on the balcony during Saturday’s show.
Amy Dowden shares message to JB Gill and Lauren Oakley ahead of live show
15:51 , Greg EvansAmy Dowden has shared a message on Instagram to her partner JB Gill and her replacement Lauren Oakley, ahead of tonight’s show.
The Welsh dancer is unable to take part in today’s show after being rushed to hospital last week after falling ill.
On her personal Instagram account, Dowden shared an image of Gill and Oakley, adding: “Wishing these two the absolute best of luck tonight! I’m going to be your biggest cheerleader!”
“@jbgill it says everything how you’ve been able to adapt to a new professional, produce such a great number ( so excited for everyone to see) whilst supporting me! I’m so lucky! You’re a STAR! I know what tonight means to you! Thank you!“@laurenmayoakley thank you, I knew Jay would be in safe hands and have a fabulous time with you! You know I’ve always adored your dancing since I ran up to you in Blackpool tower at 8 years old to tell you! Thank you darling!“@lizzie.gough you for choreographing such a brilliant routine! LOVE IT! Thank you!“Also a big thank you for all the love and support I’ve received this past week. So grateful and certainly helped! Now tune into the first ever ICONS week on strictly!”
Gill responded by writing in the comments: “@amy_dowden you are the best. Your belief in me is so uplifting and your fighting spirit is second to none! Thank you for being my biggest champion and I know that @laurenmayoakley and I will do you PROUD.”
Strictly Come Dancing Halloween week had one real winner – and it’s not who is top of the leaderboard
16:30 , Greg EvansLast Saturday’s episode episode saw a number of this year’s contestants impress on the dancefloor with three of them winning 10s for their routines. They included EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick – who is beginning to look like a serious contender for the Glitterball trophy – and Sarah Hadland, who spectacularly recovered from an early mishap to deliver a dramatic performance. The third was Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri, who has consistently pulled off high-scoring routines.
But it’s a celebrity closer to the bottom of the leaderboard who has the most to celebrate.
Sam Quek’s score has landed her near the bottom of the leaderboard but the former Olympian should be proud of her Halloween week performance, writes Rachel McGrath
Dragons’ Den star reveals diabetes struggle while training for Strictly
17:00 , Greg EvansDragons’ Den star Sara Davies has revealed why she decided not to lose weight for her stint on Strictly Come Dancing despite being a self-described “yo-yo dieter”.
The businesswoman and entrepreneur shot to fame after becoming the youngest-ever Dragon to join the show in 2019, at the age of 35. She is known for her business acumen and investing expertise after setting up a highly successful arts and crafts business from her university bedroom in her early twenties.
In September 2021, she joined the popular dancing contest and was partnered with professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec, ultimately finishing in the eighth week of the competition.
The 40-year-old said that she was “on top” of her health when she joined the BBC competition, which has recently been beset by controversy. At the time, she had been at “higher risk of type two diabetes in later life” but has since got back to higher levels of glucose, increasing her risk and making her “borderline” diabetic.
“In the run-up to Strictly, I got really on top of it,” she told Prima magazine. “I was running a lot and eating well, all because I was in a routine, so I got in great shape. But then, after I did Strictly, I lost the routine, I lost the motivation and I went back downhill.
“I saw the weight pile back on, which for me is a problem.
“Every year on my birthday, my HbA1C check tells me how close my blood sugar levels are to early-onset diabetes. And last year, my HbA1C was right on the borderline.”
Dragons’ Den star reveals diabetes struggle while training for Strictly
Strictly star set to join ‘I’m a Celebrity'
17:30 , Greg EvansThe full line-up for I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! 2024 has been “revealed” and it features a former Strictly professional.
The ITV reality show has been on the air since 2000, with winners including Tony Blackburn, Stacey Solomon, Jill Scott and last year’s victor Sam Thompson.
It seems like bosses don’t have anyone quite so contentious waiting in the wings this time around, with The Sun claiming to have discovered the identity of every star joining the show later this month.
Amongst the names are Coleen Rooney, Tulisa Contostavlos, Reverend Richard Coles and Barry McGuigan.
Joining them is Oti Mabuse, a former Strictly Come Dancing professional, appearing on the BBC series from 2015 to 2021. She won the series with both Kelvin Fletcher and Bill Bailey and appeared on Dancing on Ice as a judge after leaving Strictly.
Chris McCausland reveals biggest fear as Strictly’s first blind contestant
18:00 , Greg EvansChris McCausland has opened up about the pressures of being the show’s first blind contestant and revealed his biggest fear because of it.
“There’s no hiding from the fact that I am doing this not being able to see where I am or what I am doing,” he told The Times. “It’s nice that they acknowledge that.”
As well as the accessibility challenges of the competition, McCausland revealed his biggest fear in the contest.
“I always find it quite overwhelming at the end of the dances — for various reasons, but if I drop Dianne on her head I can’t really style that out,” he explained. “So the release of the nerves, and the audience reaction, I have to take a moment.”
However, he said he appreciated that he doesn’t get special treatment because of his disability.
“I think it’s also good that Craig [Revel Horwood] maintains his character on it and criticises me. I poke him back with a stick and see what I get out of him. I’m good with that. That’s what the show is.”
Chris McCausland reveals biggest fear as Strictly’s first blind contestant
20 minutes until tonight’s show
18:09 , Rachel McGrathThis is your 20-minute warning! Put the kettle on (or pop open the prosecco) and get the snacks ready. It’s almost time for Icons Week.
Icons Week has begun
18:30 , Rachel McGrathAnd we’re off! Tonight’s show certainly looks like it could be a good one with our remaining 10 celebrities transforming into the musical icons who have inspired them.
It’s quite an eclectic mix with Taylor Swift, KISS and Shirley Bassey among the artists they’ll be paying tribute to. And we have two Couple’s Choice routines on the schedule too. All of the ones we’ve seen so far this series have scored highly - could we see the first 40 of Strictly 2024? Stay tuned...
Icons Week has begun
18:32 , Rachel McGrathAnd we’re off! Tonight’s show certainly looks like it could be a good one with our remaining 10 celebrities transforming into the musical icons who have inspired them.
It’s quite an eclectic mix with Taylor Swift, KISS and Shirley Bassey among the artists they’ll be paying tribute to. And we have two Couple’s Choice routines on the schedule too. All of the ones we’ve seen so far this series have scored highly - could we see the first 40 of Strictly 2024? Stay tuned...
Pete Wicks is Freddie Mercury
18:38 , Rachel McGrathPete still has a long way to go but he’s without a doubt improved a lot. Last week, he getting into character as the Joker really helped his performance, and he makes a good Freddue Mercury too! His Salsa though... the lifts were brave, let’s just say that?
Pete Wicks is Freddie Mercury
18:40 , Rachel McGrathPete still has a long way to go but he’s without a doubt improved a lot. Last week, he getting into character as the Joker really helped his performance, and he makes a good Freddue Mercury too! His Salsa though... the lifts were brave, let’s just say that?
Pete’s scores are in...
18:44 , Rachel McGrathPete could be in trouble this week.
He’s received a 4 and three 6s, giving him a total of 22.
The scores won’t have come aqs too much of a shock to Pete though, follpowing the judges’ critiques.
Shirley told him: “You made quite a lot of mistakes, but what I was impressed with was how you picked it up. You carried like a trooper, you did your lifts and got on with it and did the job.”
“What a terrible shame,” Craig added. “It lacked rotation, it lacked fluidity, timing was out, it was stompy.” He did praise the former TOWIE star’s lifts though, so that’s something!
Wynne’s up next
18:49 , Rachel McGrathI’ll get to his dance in a minute but can we take a moment for that Strictly singer? And Wynne’s singing at the end!
That was wonderful and it’s lovely to see a couple do something a bit different with the Rumba.
“Well that... wow. The best ending to any numbr I’ve ever seen in my entire life,” said Anton. “Unbelievable. Stunning.”
Wynne’s up next
18:50 , Rachel McGrathI’ll get to his dance in a minute but can we take a moment for that Strictly singer? And Wynne’s singing at the end!
That was wonderful and it’s lovely to see a couple do something a bit different with the Rumba.
“Well that... wow. The best ending to any numbr I’ve ever seen in my entire life,” said Anton. “Unbelievable. Stunning.”
Wynne’s scores are in...
18:54 , Rachel McGrathWith two 7s and two 8s, he has a total of 30! Not bad at all.
Strictly Come Dancing (Taylor’s version)
19:00 , Rachel McGrathSam closed the show last week with her jive to “Time Warp” which, despite the judges’ scores, was one of the most entertaining and fun dances of the week.
Now she’s transformed into Taylor for an American Smooth, and that was another solid effort. Sam really has started to look a lot more comfortable on the dancefloor too, which is a joy to see.
“I just fulfilled my dream,” she said after.
“I think [Sam] has the right to celebrate today,” Motsi told her.
Shirley told her: “You’re on a great track - charm, grace, beauty, you’re going in the right direction.”
Sam’s scores are in...
19:03 , Rachel McGrathIt’s a 6 from Craig, which felt harsh. 8s from Motsi and Anton, and a 7 from Shirley, give her a total of 29 - two lower than last week.
Chris bounces back from last week’s Samba
19:08 , Rachel McGrathChris is back! He said it himself that last werek was a struggle but he seemed more comfortable this week, dancing to a track by his icons, KISS.
What did the judges think?
“Unfortunately your side step was out of time,” Craig said. “It became a bit stompy on occasion. You travelled so wonderfully across the floor though, I have to say.”
“It felt like a fusion between Paso and Tango,” Motsi said. “I don’t know if it was intended in that way but I’ll take it.”
Chris’s scores are in...
19:11 , Rachel McGrathAfter a 26 last week, he’s landed a total of 29.
That was thanks to a 6 from Craig, 7 from Motsi, and 8s from Shirley and Anton.
Sarah smashes her Madonna tribute
19:16 , Rachel McGrathSarah’s Argentine Tango put her joint top of the leaderboard last week (even though she had a nerve-wracking error at the start) and now she’s tranformed into one of the most legendary stars of all-time: Madonna.
And despite her mishap last week, Sarah showed no fear as she took a task inspired by one of the Queen of Pop’s most nerve-wracking moments: Walking up a set of stars while wearing a giant cape.
That was truly sensational wasn’t it? Also thank you to whoever at the BBC put Vito in those trousers. The Strictly wardrobe department are my icons. Could we be about to see the first 40 of the series? I hope so.
Vito’s trousers cause a stir
19:19 , Rachel McGrathJust in case you’re out and following along, here’s his outfit:
See what I mean?
Anton had one word for him: “Wedgie.” Unfortunately, the Italian dancer didn’t know what one was...
Sarah’s scores are in...
19:21 , Rachel McGrath1Three 9s and a 10 from Anton give Sarah and Vito a total of 37.
Could that be enough to top the leaderboard? We do have two Couple’s Choice routines to go…
Amy Dowden cheers JB Gill on
19:23 , Rachel McGrath1The wonderful Lauren Oakley has stepped in to partner with JB this week after Amy Dowden was taken ill shortly after last Saturday’s live show. It is so lovely to see Amy in the ‘Clauditorium’ cheering her partner on though. Hopefully she’ll be back next week!
JB’s scores are in...
19:32 , Rachel McGrathJB and Lauren have received a 9 from Craig and 10s from the rest of the judges. And, as Claudia said, the score also belongs to Amy, who has been working with her partner and his temporary replacement this week.
These are JB’s first 10s and the moment is certainly bittersweet. The wonderful Amy was alongside them and in tears as the scores were being delivered.
Montell’s routine sparks a spat
19:39 , Rachel McGrathThe judges cannot agree on Montell and Johannes’ dance. Shirley has got out of her seat to give Craig a talking to, with Motsi swapping seats with the head judge.
“I think there’s a lesson to learn there, when mum and dad are having a fight, get out of the room, ids,” Motsi quipped.
It feels incredibly weird seeing them in the wrong seats, a bit like if Ant and Dec stand the wrong way round.
Montell’s scores are in...
19:39 , Rachel McGrathThree 9s and an 8 from Craig give Montell a score of 35. Not bad at all.
Jamie makes the Samba look easy
19:45 , Rachel McGrathJamie has been joint top of the leaderboard for two weeks running which appers to have given him a confidence boost for the dreaded Samba — which he made look easy.
”You hit all the technical elements that one would want to see,” Shirley said. Anton is being picky though. “It started and went along and it sort of ended... it was an OK dance,” he said, which was met with (warranted) boos.
Anton, were we watching the same dance?
“You have amazing rhythm and your presentation was brilliant,” Craig said.
Jamie’s scores are in...
19:47 , Rachel McGrathAfter all that, Craig has given him an 8.
Two more 8s (from Motsi and Shirley) and a 7 give Jamie a total of 31.
Tasha performs a beautiful Couple’s Choice
19:51 , Rachel McGrathWell, that was an emotional one, wasn’t it? The tone was set in Tasha’s emotional VT as she spoke about the challenges she has faced.
The reality TV star, who was born with deafness and now has a cochlear implant, pulled off some seriously incredible lift with Aljaz, somehow looking unbelievably graceful as he practically threw her into the air. What a beautiful moment.
Tasha’s scores are in...
19:57 , Rachel McGrathAnd she’s landed 39, which is incredible obviously, but I really thought Craig was going to reach for his 10 paddle.
“I am a little bit lost for words, there’s nothing I could say that would express how beautiful that was so I’ll leave it there,” said Shirley.
Craig didn’t have a single critique for once either. “A triump, darling,” he said.
Can we also take a second for Tasha’s dad’s tshirt? I hope they sell these online.
Shayne closes the show
19:59 , Rachel McGrathSorry but how does Nancy look so good in that wig?!
Shayne faced another dance-off last week but survived once again with Punam leaving the competition. I do think it’s a real shame he’s struggled winning over viewers as he’s clearly a talented dancer (and the lovely Nancy’s choreography is always amazing).
Ending up in the bottom two so often also seems to be knocking his confidence. This week though, he has bounced back — well, Quickstepped back — in style.
What a lovely way to close the show.
Shayne’s scores are in...
20:04 , Rachel McGrathAnd he has every reason to celebrate with a total of 35 — his and Nancy’s highest score yet.
That was thanks to (going along the panel), an 8 and three 9s.
“It’s not easy being in that dance-off again and again, but I think it’s bringing a fire with you,” Motsi said. “Stay lethal as you are. It doesn’t matter how many dance-offs you’re in, if you’re this good, you’re fine.”
Voting opens
20:06 , Rachel McGrathGo, go, go! You only have until 8.40pm to pick your favourites and save them from the dreaded dance-off.
The easiest way to vote is in the Strictly website, where you can pick your top three couples (or just use all three votes on one pair).
Tonight’s leaderboard
20:11 , Rachel McGrathOnce again, there’s not much separating the celebs at the top. Two couples are tied in first place, and fourth place is a tie as well.
Here’s how things stand:
Strictly leaderboard scores from week seven of the dance competition
Amy, JB and Lauren’s emotional moment
20:31 , Rachel McGrath1Take a look back at one of the most of the moving moments of tonight’s show, which came as JB and Lauren received the JLS star’s highest score of the series so far.
Amy Dowden’s reaction to JB Gill’s score has Strictly fans ‘heart broken’
The voting has ended
20:40 , Rachel McGrathThat’s it! If you haven’t cast your vote yet then you’ve run out of time, I’m afraid.
That’s a wrap!
21:16 , Rachel McGrathWell, Icons Week is done and dusted. I think we’ll be seeing the theme return next year as that was a brilliant episode.
We’ll find out who is leaving the competiton in tomorrow night’s results show, which airs on BBC One at 7.30pm.
I’ll be back next Saturday to guide you through another live show as the remaining nine couples dance. See you then!
