Strictly Come Dancing was back on our screens last night and, with nine couples left, the competition is fierce.
Last week’s Halloween special saw Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope and his professional partner Katya Jones land the first perfect score of the series after their Couple’s Choice to a big band-style version of Radiohead’s “Creep”. As well as awarding the pair the highest score possible, the judges said the ambitious and perfectly executed routine would go down in Strictly history.
Tonight, Cope and Jones looked to continue their winning streak with a cha cha to “I Like It Like That” by Pete Rodriguez - and scored 35 as they opened the show. They were pipped to first place on the leaderboard, though - as Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington landed their highest score yet.
The Geordie Shore star channelled her inner Taylor Swift for a tango “Fate of Ophelia” and landed an impressive 39 points for her efforts, with 10s from Motsi Mabuse and Anton du Beke.
Elsewhere, Balvinder Sopal - who survived her third dance-off last weekend - bounced back with her Couple’s Choice to “Sapphire” by Ed Sheeran and Arijit Singh. The judges chose to save the EastEnders star in Sunday night’s episode, sending Ellie Goldstein out of the competition.
Recap the show as it happened below – and follow along with all the latest updates.
Key Points
- Could Alan Carr be one of the new Strictly presenters?
- How La Voix has proved she deserves to be taken seriously
- Lewis Cope wows the judges as he opens the show with a salsa
- Tearful Alex Kingston comforted by fellow stars after 'middle of the road' performance
- Vicky Pattison goes top of the leaderboard
- Balvinder Sopal brings Bollywood to the ballroom
Alex Kingston reveals condition that made her paso doble so ‘difficult’
13:15 , Jacob StolworthyA tearful Alex Kingston opened up about the condition that made dancing the paso doble “difficult” during Saturday night’s episode of Strictly Come Dancing.
The Doctor Who and ER actor, 62, told host Claudia Winkleman that she is “numerically dyslexic” and has therefore struggled to dance to music without lyrics.
Katie Rosseinsky reports:
Alex Kingston reveals condition that made her Strictly paso doble ‘difficult’
It’s time to get over Amber Davies's West End training
12:15 , Jacob StolworthySo what if the former Love Islander has experience on the stage? She’s brilliant on the dance floor and that’s all that matters, writes Rachel McGrath.
Strictly’s Amber Davies is phenomenal – I don’t care that she’s West End-trained
The week seven leaderboard in full
11:20 , Jacob StolworthyStrictly Come Dancing 2025 has reached the halfway point, and tonight’s episode saw a flurry of 10s from the judges.
Find this week’s leaderboard here:
Strictly 2025 leaderboard: Scores from week seven of BBC series
See you next week!
Saturday 8 November 2025 20:09 , Rachel McGrathThat’s it from me! I’ll be back next Saturday, when we’ll be down to just eight couples.
Find out who leaves the competition in the results show at 7.10pm tomorrow. The episode will see Motsi have the final say if the judges are split after the dance-off.
Alex opens up on her 'hardest week' yet
Saturday 8 November 2025 20:01 , Rachel McGrathAlex has been phenomenal this series - but the actor had a rare wobble this week as she struggled with her confidence.
In the Clauditorium, she explained her struggle and revealed the condition she has which made this week’s paso especially tough.
Here’s what she said...
Alex Kingston reveals condition that made her Strictly paso doble ‘difficult’
The vote is open...
Saturday 8 November 2025 19:55 , Rachel McGrathAnd it closes at 8.30pm!
As has been the case all series, you can only vote on the BBC’s Strictly website so head there now (scan the QR code on the TV if you’re at home and feeling a bit lazy).
Harry praised for bringing the energy and 'pecography'
Saturday 8 November 2025 19:53 , Rachel McGrathThe judges have given their verdict on Harry…
Shirley: “You definitely have the X factor when it comes to performing. There was a lot of rolling in your hips but when you come to some of the other steps, I have to take [problems] into consideration. All in all, not the best for me but not the worst.”
Anton: “I loved your energy, I loved your performance, I thought you brought everything to your dance. Well done.”
Craig: “I was very happy with the dance of the pecs at the beginning. But there was too much rise and fall in it. I love your energy and you brought total carnival so thank you.”
Motsi: “What I love is hearing the music and watching you dance. There was so much rhythm from the band I could see it in your body, it was continuous. You offer so much. But I want you to do is the details.”
Harry’s scores are... 7, 8, 7 and 8 - a total of 30.
Harry closes the show with a samba
Saturday 8 November 2025 19:49 , Rachel McGrathUp last, it’s the lovely Harry and Karen… and it’s samba time! They were bottom of the table last week with a score of 26 but escaped the dance-off thanks to viewers’ votes.
Vicky is a tough act to follow but this is a great samba. Harry looks right at home and like he’s having a great time, which really helps sell the routine. Bravo!
Vicky lands near perfect score after a Taylor Swift tango
Saturday 8 November 2025 19:45 , Rachel McGrathShirley’s on her feet!
Here are the judges’ comments on Vicky’s tango…
Anton: “What did I think? It thought it was absolutely marvellous. I loved it. It must have been fabulous to dance with you in that. Your line is the best line I’ve ever seen. Your head and spine are one beautiful line. It was immaculate. I’m a bit stunned, it was that good.”
Craig: “Your left hand bothered me. It was facing in, the palm should be facing the floor. Apart from that, it was perfect.”
Motsi: “Last week I said you were a contender for the final and this dance proved what I said. You are on fire. This was, for me, until now, the dance of the night.”
Shirley: “What you did is you believed in him. Everything you did, off to his right side, the narrative was there, the footwork was remarkable. I’m with Motsi, the dance of the night.”
Vicky’s scores are... 9, 10 (hooray!), 10 and 10 - a total of 39!
Vicky channels her inner Taylor Swift
Saturday 8 November 2025 19:40 , Rachel McGrathThe band have had to learn a brand new (by Strictly standards) song for this one: Vicky and Kai are tango-ing (is that a word?) to Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia”.
Vicky said in her VT that she would categorise herself as a Swiftie and it seems the song choice has helped her bring the drama.
Not to channel my inner Craig, but I think Vicky could be hitting the shapes a little harder?
Amber wins high praise from the panel
Saturday 8 November 2025 19:37 , Rachel McGrathHere are the judges’ comments for Amber…
Shirley: “We’re halfway in the competition and I want to say to everybody, I’ve never seen a competition like this. This was absolutely great. Clean, great chemistry, I really enjoyed it.”
Anton: “Oh man alive!” [he’s now blabbering a lot and it’s almost unintelligible but positive]
Craig” Ah. May. Zing.”
Motsi: “There’s nothing to say after that. It was absolutely spectacular. I would never do anything like that. Well done. Well done!”
Her scores are... 9, 10, 9 and 10 - a total of 38.
Amber shimmers with a salsa
Saturday 8 November 2025 19:32 , Rachel McGrathHere come Amber and Nikita with a salsa to “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” by Sylvester. Amber is yet another Strictly star who has been consistent but not quite fulfilled her full potential yet.
This is a fab salsa, though! Amber’s bringing the energy and the lifts are incredible. I don’t know what she has to do to start consistently landing nines and 10s... maybe this was it? We’ll see!
Watch: Alex's emotional moment
Saturday 8 November 2025 19:29 , Rachel McGrathAlex was clearly quite dejected after the comments on her Paso doble. Speaking to Claudia, the actor explained why she’s found this week so difficult.
Watch that moment again below...
George divides the judges - but lands his highest score yet
Saturday 8 November 2025 19:28 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges have told George…
Motsi: “I’m happy to seer you dance like this. You were relaxed, you’ve got the nerves down. You guys created a really beautiful atmosphere. At the end of the day, it’s what do we feel after the dance? And I thought you guys did so well. You used the entire floor. I love seeing you do ballroom.”
Shirley: “George is back with a bang, for sure. Good stride on the first step, outside the lady on the second. I have to say I think that’s some of the best footwork I have ever seen in a Viennese Waltz. Your best dance.”
Anton: “Great stuff. When you do this, I see this commitment and a desire to want to improve. You shifted across the floor… this is proper, proper dancing. This is what we’re after. I loved it, well done you.”
Craig: “I thought the footwork was… I don’t think it was that perfect. We’re going to have to agree to disagree. I thought you were using your knees and thighs, not your feet. The rise and fall was getting a bit skippy. And you slightly missed the last beat down here. But I can’t take my eyes off you both. I think you’re a strong, gorgeous couple and you dance with such ease. You make it look like you’ve been doing it forever. So congratulations.”
George’s scores are... 8, 8, 9 and 9 - a total of 34!
George is suited and booted for a Viennese waltz
Saturday 8 November 2025 19:22 , Rachel McGrathWith a Viennese waltz to Queen’s “Somebody to Love”, it’s George and Alexis.
George is another star who started so strong but has faltered recently. He’s had some unfortunate costumes to don but looks fab in his classic ballroom get-up tonight. And he’s positively beaming, which is such a joy to see!
Longtime followers of this blog will know that I often find waltzes boring (sorry) but this is a fun one. They even squeezed in a body roll? I’m a fan.
Balvinder leaves the judges 'obsessed'
Saturday 8 November 2025 19:18 , Rachel McGrathOh that was so lovely!
The judges comments for Balvinder are in…
Craig: “I am totally obsessed with this style of dance, I love it… it lacked, for me, definition. It needed to be a lot cleaner and shaper and have more attack at the end of your phrases. Your shaping, however, is excellent. Your timing superb. You owned that.”
Motsi: “First of all, thank you so much for sharing that. I know your mum is watching and she’s so proud of you. I am so happy you got to do this dance on that floor. For me, I understand what Craig means but I love that you danced it that way, I could see your centre was engaged, you could feel the music. You were in control of it and I thought it was a joy. I’m proud of you, well done.”
Shirley: “That’s your best dance so far. Let’s start with that. I’m with Motsi. I learned some things from you, I shall be teaching those in my private sessions. Nothing looked over the top, you were in your comfort zone. Julian, you killed it too and as a team you were fantastic.”
Anton: “I completely agree, well done the pair of you. You nailed that tonight, it was a joy. I loved every second of it. You seemed much more secure in everything you did.”
And her scores are... 7, 9, 9 and 9 - a total of 34.
Balvinder dedicates Bollywood Couple's Choice to her mum
Saturday 8 November 2025 19:10 , Rachel McGrathIt’s time for Balvinder and Julian to take to the dancefloor. I really feel for these two - Balvinder showed so much promise at the start of the series but multiple dance-offs (three, to be exact) seem to have really taken their toll on her confidence.
Tonight, she’s dancing her Couple’s Choice to Ed Sheeran track “Sapphire”.
The routine is dedicated to Balvinder’s mum, who passed away last year. She said in her VT: “I’d said no to every single thing that came my way. Then Strictly cam knocking and I thought ‘I’m going to do it because I want to be seen. And mum would want to be seen’.”
“I think my mum will bet incredibly happy and dancing wherever she is, and shining down on me,” she added.
La Voix brought 'sunshine' - but delivered 'flatfooted' routine, say judges
Saturday 8 November 2025 19:07 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges have told La Voix…
Anton: “That was a really uplifting foxtrot, I enjoyed it enormously. Your featherstep was smooth and long, then you did a lovely homemade version of the hell turn on the toes. Then, the next bit got a bit short in the stride. But I thought you had a lovely musicality.”
Craig: “The left shoulder was raised a lot. Your free arm also needs some attention. I felt overall it lacked a togetherness. And I mean that in musicality, I felt you were dancing different dances. But I love your presentation and performance.”
Motsi: “I’m so happy you’ve found the love of dance on this show and you can see it. There’s sunshine and I would love to see some of that transferred into your body. That being said, you looked beautiful when you were moving, you were shining and that’s all we want.”
Shirley: “You certainly being joy to everything. You bring sunshine to the ballroom but unfortunately when it goes downstairs, it was raining for me. It was a little flatfooted. It got a little bit out of sync.”
Here are La Voix’s scores... 6 (ouch!), 8, 7 and 8 - a total of 29.
La Voix takes on the foxtrot
Saturday 8 November 2025 19:01 , Rachel McGrathLa Voix is back on the floor now with a Foxtrot to Cass Elliot’s “Make Your Own Kind Of Music”.
Before she’s taken to the floor, there’s been another fun bit - where she’s taken over directing the programme now. I have to say, I do love these silly moments.
I also loved La Voix’s last week because as funny as she is, she really excels when she pushes the comedy to one side and has a more serious number to grapple with.
This is lovely, fun routine and La Volix is graceful in the ballroom numbers... though she seems to be struggling to keep up with Aljaz during the actual foxtrot sections? It’s fun but a little shaky...
Craig labels Alex's performance 'middle of the road'
Saturday 8 November 2025 18:57 , Rachel McGrathHere are the judges’ comments for Alex…
Motsi: “Let’s get this going… so, you look beautiful, can I say that? You look stunning. It’s the first time that I’ve felt a bit of insecurity from you. And I saw some here and I was like, ‘ok, that’s unusual for you’. But you move like a queen. You have such clear movements, it’s always readable and neat. You don’t need to be insecure, we need the old Alex back. Show us the power and fire.”
Shirley: “The steps you didn’t stumble on, you executed well with technicality skills that were fantastic. Unfortunately, it lacked a bit of passion and fire. It lacked spatial awareness and fire.”
Anton: “Absolutely right, you’re so well-schooled, you’re the perfect student. Today, you looked a little nervous and it made you have a couple of moments. I’ve written ‘lovely detail, little nervous’. Everything you’re doing is underpinning your work so beautifully, you need not be nervous.”
Craig: “The shoulders were tense and raised, it lacked shaping. I felt you were dancing it placed and really carefully, it lacked any form of showbiz pizzazz, which you normally give us. What I did love, was the way you played it with great mobility but I feel you could have gone a lot further. It ended up a little bit middle of the road.”
Oh bless Alex, she’s nearly in tears after that!
Alex’s scores are... 7 (not bad!), 8, 7 and 8, for a total of 30.
Alex paso dobles into week seven
Saturday 8 November 2025 18:51 , Rachel McGrathUp next with a Paso doble, it’s Alex and Johannes.
Alex has already proven she can bring shed loads of drama to the dancefloor so this is right up her street. I have to say... she’s performing this well but it is lacking in proper ‘wow’ moments! I think perhaps the music (“Amparito Roca” by Jamie Texidor, if you’re not watching and would like to find it online) is letting the routine down...
Karen lands a 10 for her energetic Charleston
Saturday 8 November 2025 18:48 , Rachel McGrathHere are the judges’ comments for Karen…
Craig: “You’re a right bobby dazzler, darling. That was incredible, it really was. It could have done with a little more swivel and the lifts did get a little bit sticky but your energy was amazing.”
Motsi: “When I watch you down, I have to calm myself down. There is so much energy in your blood. This is dynamic, it’s about bounce, being precise… you hit every line. Your expression is so natural. I love you.”
Shirley: “I’m exhausted watching it, you kept up with Carlos fantastically. The swivel was a little missing for me and a few places of balance… but there was so much to like, well done.”
Anton: “I want to say congratulations to Carlos for keeping up. The energy of the Charleston is so different other than the other dances and you did it perfectly. The Lindy part was tremendous. I loved it.”
Her scores are... 8, 10(!), 8 and 9 - a total of 35, so she’s tied with Lewis!
Karen masters the swivel in a fast-paced Charleston
Saturday 8 November 2025 18:43 , Rachel McGrathI’ve had properly high hopes for this one - it’s Karen and Carlos with a Charleston to a Diana Ross and Aretha Franklin mash-up.
Ex-England player Karen’s stamina has really helped her with this one. And there’s plenty of that all-important swivel as well as brilliant lifts - although was there a mistake with one? Either way, I loved it.
Judges tell Lewis: 'That's the way to start the show'
Saturday 8 November 2025 18:39 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges have told Lewis…
Shirley: “I like it like that! For me, it was so well-balanced. You did a grand job. I thought you did very well.
Anton: “I have to tell you, I’ve been looking forward to this week for so long and you’ve just started with this? Brilliant. Really, really great. You do everything so well. Keep going because I love it.
Craig: “I thought it was a little try hard, I’ve got to be honest. I thought it lacked fluidity because of that, you were hitting the shapes too hard. But what you have is insane, darling. Those hips, my love, were on fire.”
Motsi: “Let me start with this - I didn’t like it like that, I loved it. Sometimes Craig, things have got to go hard, man. Listen, I loved that. You hit the lines but then you had a softness, you played with the music. You were very cool. That’s the way to start the show.”
And his scores are... 8, 9, 9 and 9 - a solid total of 35.
Lewis and Katya open the show in style
Saturday 8 November 2025 18:34 , Rachel McGrathFirst of all - not the main point, obviously, but Katya looks amazing.
This is a great salsa too - befitting Lewis’s skills, they have done zero time wasting and got straight into the moves. Lewis looks confident (as he should after last week) and they’re just such a stunning pair to watch on the dancefloor. What a way to start!
Lewis and Katya return after their perfect score
Saturday 8 November 2025 18:31 , Rachel McGrathOpening the show tonight, it’s Lewis and Katya.
They’re performing off the back of their perfect score in Halloween Week - the first of the series.
Now it’s time for a cha cha to “I Like It Like That” by Pete Rodriguez...
And we're off!
Saturday 8 November 2025 18:25 , Rachel McGrathTonight’s episode is officially underway and after Icons Week and the Halloween special, we’re having a little break from the themes.
We’re at the halfway point of the competition and on the agenda are performances including a Tango set to a Taylor Swift track, one Couple’s Choice and what should hopefully be a phenomenal paso doble. Let’s go!
Strictly’s Alexis Warr breaks down typical show week: ‘There’s not a lot of sleep’
Saturday 8 November 2025 18:13 , Katie RosseinskyAlexis Warr has revealed what a typical week in Strictly Come Dancing looks like... and there’s “not a lot of sleep involved”.
Speaking to The Independent, the professional dancer revealed that Mondays and Tuesdays are normally some of the hardest as the celebrity “settles into the dance”.
Her partner, George Clarke, joked that he hopes that’s the case for everyone and “not just a me thing”.
Breaking down the typical week, from blocking sessions to the show day itself, Warr stressed that there is a “lot that goes on behind the scenes”.
Discussing the busy schedule, she said: “As a dancer, I quite like it… It’s the closest thing we get to feeling like having a nine to five.”
This week, George and Alexis will be dancing a Viennese Waltz to “Somebody to Love” by Queen.
Get the full story below...
Strictly’s Alexis Warr breaks down typical show week: ‘There’s not a lot of sleep’
'Everyone's going to want that job': Zoe Ball shares thoughts on returning to world of Strictly
Saturday 8 November 2025 17:46 , Katie RosseinskyCould former breakfast show host Zoe Ball be one of the stars in contention to present Strictly after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman depart the show?
Ball, who previously hosted spinoff show It Takes Two, has been one of the names repeatedly mentioned when it comes to speculation about Tess and Claudia’s replacements.
And in a recent episode of her Dig It podcast with Jo Whiley, the broadcaster touched upon the rumours.
When asked whether she would like to do the job, she replied, "I think everyone would like to do that job," praising the dance competition for "bringing so much joy to people's lives."
She added: "Everyone's going to want that job. There will be queues going around the block."
Ball was a contestant on the third series and has also stepped in to host the main show while Winkleman was on leave.
Read the full story below...
Amy Dowden thanks fans for support after second mastectomy
Saturday 8 November 2025 17:05 , Katie RosseinskyAmy Dowden has shared a photo from her hospital bed after undergoing a second mastectomy.
The Strictly professional previously underwent a mastectomy in 2023 after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Earlier this week, she assured fans that this second surgery was not related to a new cancer diagnosis.
"They're confident that all will go well and I can expect a straightforward recovery," she said.
In her first social media post since the surgery, Amy thanked her followers “for all the messages and love”, before confirming that her “surgery went well” and revealing that she’s been focusing on “sleep and resting up” since.
“Hubby & Family have been looking after me and the besties have turned up with the goods and nothing is stopping us from watching The Traitors,” she added. “Keeping the tradition going.”
Could Holly Willoughby be the new Strictly presenter?
Saturday 8 November 2025 16:47 , Katie RosseinskyIs Holly Willoughby in line to take one of the biggest jobs in television?
The former This Morning host’s name keeps cropping up in conversations about who could replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman when they leave Strictly Come Dancing behind.
Now bookmakers William Hill have suspended betting on the next presenter, following “a flurry of bets” for Holly.
“We’ve suspended betting on the next Strictly presenter after some seriously strong support for Holly Willoughby this morning,” spokesperson Lee Phelps said.
“We initially slashed her odds from 3/1 to Evens, but the money continued to flood in and we have now taken the market down.
“As the rumour mill continues to turn, this story will be one to watch over the coming days.”
We’ll certainly be keeping our eyes peeled…
Amber Davies shares her nerves ahead of tonight's show
Saturday 8 November 2025 16:31 , Katie RosseinskyLooks like Amber Davies is feeling the pressure ahead of tonight’s show.
The Love Island winner turned West End performer admitted that her heart was “going pitter patter” at about 9am this morning, hours before she’s set to take to the ballroom.
Amber and her dance partner Nikita Kuzmin will be performing a salsa to “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) by Sylvester) tonight, after scoring 35 points from the judges for their Viennese waltz last week.
What time is Strictly on TV this evening?
Saturday 8 November 2025 16:02 , Katie RosseinskyTonight’s episode, which marks the halfway point in this year’s competition, will start at 6.25pm and finish at 8pm.
After last Saturday’s spooky Halloween special and Icons Week before that, tonight’s episode won’t have a specific theme.
The next themed week will likely be the annual Blackpool extravaganza, which sees the remaining contestants head north to perform at the seaside resort’s iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
The Blackpool special is slated to take place in the ninth week of the competition, on 22 November.
Claudia and Tess make a point as they introduce the judges
Saturday 8 November 2025 16:01 , Rachel McGrathThe presenters gave a slightly extended speech as they welcomed the foursome to the show - perhaps in a nod to the uproar around Ellie’s exit?
After pointing out how, so far this series, the celeb at the bottom of the leaderboard has avoided the dance-off each week, Claudia said of the panel: “While we may not always agree with them, we couldn’t do it without them.”
A quick reminder of last week’s scores
Saturday 8 November 2025 15:33 , Katie RosseinskyBefore tonight’s episode kicks off, here’s a quick look back at the scores from last week’s live show.
Lewis Cope and his dance partner Katya Jones topped the scoreboard with the first perfect 40 of the series, after receiving 10s from every single member of the judging panel for their Couple’s Choice dance to Radiohead’s “Creep”.
They were closely followed by Karen Carnet and Carlos Gu, who picked up their first 10s of the competition and totted up an impressive score of 38.
Last week’s lowest scorers, meanwhile, were Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer, who received 26 points for their American Smooth to “Mystical Magical” by Benson Boone.
Ellie Goldstein and dance partner Vito Coppola edged ahead of them with 27 points, but were eventually eliminated from the competition in Sunday night’s dance-off, when the judges decided to save Balvinder Sopal.
Lewis Cope and Katya Jones: 10 + 10 + 10 + 10 = 40
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu: 9 + 10 + 9 + 10 = 38
Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin: 9 + 9 + 8 + 9 = 35
Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe: 8 + 9 + 9 + 9 = 35
La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec: 8 + 9 + 9 + 9 = 35
Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington: 7 + 8 + 8 + 8 = 31
George Clarke and Alexis Warr: 6 + 7 + 8 + 8 = 29
Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon: 7 + 7 + 7 + 7 = 28
Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola: 6 +7 + 7 + 7 =27
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer: 6 + 7 + 6 + 7 = 26
Strictly’s Balvinder Sopal reveals big change for next show after dance-off battle
Saturday 8 November 2025 14:55 , Katie RosseinskyStrictly Come Dancing contestant Balvinder Sopal has revealed a big change for her next routine after ending up in the dance-off again.
The EastEnders actor and her professional dance partner Julian Caillon faced their third dance off on Sunday (2 November), with the judges opting to save them over Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola.
Appearing on Strictly It Takes Two on Tuesday, the soap star revealed she will be dancing barefoot this coming weekend for her couple’s choice dance to Ed Sheeran’s Sapphire.
She said: “It’s a fusion of Bunga and Bollywood, it’s strong and powerful.
“It’s going to be vibrant and banging.”
Caillon added: “I don't think i’ve enjoyed dancing this much in a while. I feel so privileged I get to do this with Bal and learning about Bal’s culture.”
Strictly star reveals big change for next show after dance-off battle
Strictly pays emotional tribute to Amy Dowden as dancer undergoes second mastectomy
Saturday 8 November 2025 14:25 , Katie RosseinskyEarlier this week, Strictly Come Dancing paid an emotional tribute to Amy Dowden as she revealed that she is set to undergo a second mastectomy.
The professional said she has made the decision following an appointment with her “incredible” medical team.
The 35-year-old, who was first diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023, stressed that the procedure is “not to treat a new cancer diagnosis”.
On Wednesday’s episode of spin off show It Takes Two, the Welsh dancer looked back on her Strictly career, and recalled returning to the show following.her treatment, when she wore a hot pink dress to represent breast cancer.
Host Janette Manrara’s voice cracked as she said: “Amy in that pink dress was one of my favourite Strictly moments ever.”
Get the full story below...
Strictly pays emotional tribute to Amy Dowden as dancer undergoes second mastectomy
Kate Garraway admits Strictly theme music ‘still triggers her’ 17 years later
Saturday 8 November 2025 13:51 , Katie RosseinskyShe’s braved ‘murder’ and backstabbing the Celebrity Traitors castle, but it seems that Kate Garraway’s nerves are still getting over her Strictly Come Dancing stint... 17 years on.
The Good Morning Britain host admitted that she is “still slightly triggered” by the Strictly theme music, while appearing on It Takes Two on Friday.
Garraway was the seventh person to be voted off in the fifth series of the show, which saw her partnered with professional dancer Anton Du Beke.
“17 years ago, I was on the show and I still feel sick every time I hear it,” she added.
Get the full story below...
Kate Garraway admits Strictly Come Dancing theme music ‘still triggers her’
Could Alan Carr be one of the new Strictly presenters?
Saturday 8 November 2025 13:10 , Rachel McGrathStrictly bosses are currently on the hunt for two new hosts after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced that the current series will be their last.
The duo will be seriously difficult to replace and while producers are busy drafting a shortlist and scheduling meetings, bookies have released odds on the famous faces being tipped for the primetime roles.
Fresh from his Traitors victory, Alan Carr is being linked to the job – which would be genius signing. The comedian is riding high after his win and viewers are crying out for him to land a huge new gig.
See who else could be in the running below…
Strictly Come Dancing odds: Will Alan Carr replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman?
Strictly star George Clarke reveals who he wants to win competition
Saturday 8 November 2025 12:45 , Katie RosseinskyStrictly Come Dancing’s George Clarke has revealed who he thinks should win the 2025 series.
Speaking to The Independent, the podcaster reflected on the “insanely competitive” contest which could see “anybody” lift the Glitterball Trophy.
However, he said “if I had to put my money on someone”, it would be either Vicky Pattison or Alex Kingston, with the YouTuber joking about a potential Doctor Who and Geordie Shore crossover in the future.
Read the full story below...
Strictly star George Clarke reveals who he wants to win competition
Watch: Vito's emotional tribute to Ellie
Saturday 8 November 2025 12:00 , Jacob StolworthyFans were gutted to see Ellie Goldstein leave the competition week. The model and actress brought so much joy to the ballroom and I think her presence will definitely be missed in tonight’s show.
After her fate on the programme was decided, Goldstein’s pro partner Vito Coppola paid an emotional tribute to the 23-year-old.
“We’re going to be forever brother and sister now, " he told her. “Because I never had a little sister, and you never had a big brother. So now I have a little sister, which is you, and you have a big brother, which is me.”
Watch the sweet moment again below…
All the week seven songs and dances
Saturday 8 November 2025 11:00 , Rachel McGrathThere are nine couples performing in tonight’s show, and the routines will include a Couple’s Choice, a Charleston and a tango to a Taylor Swift track.
Here’s what we have to look forward to...
- Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe - Paso Doble to “Amparito Roca” by Jamie Texidor
- Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon - Couple's Choice to “Sapphire” by Ed Sheeran & Arijit Singh
- George Clarke and Alexis Warr - Viennese Waltz to “Somebody” to Love by Queen
- Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer - Samba to “Samba” by Gloria Estefan
- Karen Carney and Carlos Gu - Charleston to “Upside Down” / “Think” by Diana Ross / Aretha Franklin
- La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec - Foxtrot to “Make Your Own Kind of Music” by Cass Elliot
- Lewis Cope and Katya Jones - Cha Cha to “I Like It Like That” by Pete Rodriguez
- Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington - Tango to “The Fate of Ophelia” by Taylor Swift
- Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin - Salsa to “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” by Sylvester
