The Strictly Come Dancing final is now just one week away and tonight (December 7), the remaining five contestants battled it out in the show’s semi-final.
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec opened the show and scored an impressive 35 for their first routine, but it was their second that really impressed the judges, as the former Love Island star landed a score of 40.
JB Gill and Lauren Oakley were also among the couples performing tonight and for their second routine of the evening, they landed a perfect score from the judging panel — putting them top of the leaderboard.
Also performing tonight were Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell, and their emotionally-charged Waltz left both stars in tears.
Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola, and Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal completed the semi-finalists. Ahead of the live show, Wicks reached out to fans on social media for their support after mounting backlash about him still being in the competition.
In a post on his Instagram, Wicks and Przystal were seen looking forlorn alongside the caption: “Today is semi-finals day. It’s been 12 weeks of hard work, ups and downs...can we do the unthinkable? We would love your support tonight.”
On the night, Wicks delivered two solid performances. His second was a passionate Argentine Tango that left the judges disagreeing with each other.
Another celebrity will leave the competition on Sunday (8 December) night’s results show, which airs on BBC One at 7.20pm.
Key Points
- Strictly viewers support Tasha Ghouri after ‘unfortunate’ dance mishap
- Pete Wicks labelled ‘Mr Strictly Come Dancing’ by Shirley Ballas
- Tasha Ghori lands a perfect score
- JB Gill receives a Horwood handshake — and a score of 40
- Chris McCausland has an emotional moment
- Pete Wicks’ Argentine Tango divides the judges
Strictly Come Dancing leaderboard scores from Week 11
14:50 , Maira Butt“Musicals Week” saw the six couples perform a variety of routines to famous tunes from stage musicals, while the professional dancers opened the show with a number from Little Shop of Horrors.
The performances saw Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell dance a Quickstep to You’re The Top” from Anything Goes, JB Gill and Lauren Oakley dance a Viennese Waltz to “Let’s Go Fly A Kite” from Mary Poppins.
Strictly Come Dancing leaderboard scores from week 11 of the competition
Pete Wicks is far from being Strictly’s best dancer – but there’s plenty he deserves praise for
15:03 , Maira ButtRachel McGrath writes:
While skills wise, he is significantly behind series leaders Tasha Ghouri and JB Gill, there’s plenty he deserves praise for.
Let’s start with this week. Was Wicks’s Waltz quarter final-worthy? Not exactly. Anton du Beke labelled one section of the routine “a disaster” and Craig Revel Horwood added: “You don’t have the swing and sway, the footwork is shoddy and you went completely wrong.”
Pete Wicks is far from Strictly’s finest – but there’s plenty he deserves praise for
Wicks and Przystal implore fans to support them after mounting backlash
15:15 , Maira ButtIn a post on his Instagram, Wicks and Przystal are seen looking forlorn along with the caption: “Today is semi-finals day. It’s been 12 weeks of hard work, ups and downs...can we do the unthinkable? We would love your support tonight.”
The appeal comes following mounting backlash for the pair making it so far in the competition despite being at the bottom of the leaderboard multiple times.
Strictly Come Dancing full lineup 2024: Meet the celebrity contestants, from Tasha Ghouri to Chris McCausland
15:45 , Maira ButtRead below for a list of all the people who’ve been on the show this series (semi-finalists and those who’ve been eliminated).
Maura Higgins opens up about Pete Wicks relationship after leaving the I’m a Celeb jungle
16:16 , Maira ButtLydia Spencer-Elliott reports:
“ I can’t wait to see him when I get back,” the Love Island star gushed from Australia.
Maura Higgins opens up about relationship with Pete Wicks after I’m a Celeb exit
Strictly Come Dancing reveals lineup for 2024 Christmas special
16:50 , Maira ButtEllie Muir reports:
If there’s one highlight of the BBC’s Christmas Day scheduling, it’s the Strictly Come Dancing festive special.
Each year, the ballroom is transformed into a magical winter wonderland where six famous faces perform a festive routine in the hope of impressing the judges and being crowned the Christmas Champion for 2024.
On last year’s special, EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick took home the winning trophy alongside professional dancer, Nancy Xu. He clearly impressed producers so much that he was invited back to compete in the full series that launched in September.
Strictly Come Dancing reveals lineup for 2024 Christmas special
Strictly’s Chris McCausland opens up about ‘shame’ and admits other couples are ‘better’
17:50 , Maira ButtComedian said being blind was “never a sad thing”.
Comparing the experience of gradually losing his eyesight to being a “frog in boiling water”, the star opened up about his initial disbelief at his diagnosis, refusing to use aids such as a cane.
The Strictly stars with previous dance experience, from Tasha Ghouri to JB Gill
18:20 , Maira ButtHalf of the semi-finalists have some previous dancing experience.
As many of the celebrities competing on Strictly are actors, singers and performers, a large number of them will have trained in dance or theatrical performance.
All of the Strictly stars with dance experience, from Tasha Ghouri to JB Gill
Here we go...
18:32 , Rachel McGrathIt’s semi-final time! This year’s Strictly has flown by, hasn’t it?
Tonight, the remaining five couples are dancing two routines each with the hopes of impressing the judges (and viewers), and landing a spot in next week’s grand final. Almost every dance style the show features will be performed, with just the Rumba and Samba (both notoriously difficult and possibly cursed) missing. But who’ll come out on top?
Tasha and Aljaz are dancing first
18:37 , Rachel McGrathEach VT has an extra special section this week, with each couple sitting down with the judges to receive comments and help for the semi-final.
Ahead of her salsa, Tasha has been advised to “loosen up a bit” during Latin performance.
Tasha opens the show in style with many (many) lifts
18:41 , Rachel McGrathA Salsa to “Something New” by Girls Aloud? I’m in.
Tasha looks stunning and their routine has kicked off with a beautiful jump into Aljaz’s arms. I do think Tasha has taken the judges comment on board! She looks like she’s having a blast and there is absolutely no room for error in this fast-paced routine.
Those lifts! I was nervous watching them and Tasha pulled them off well, though as Shirley has just pointed out, some of the transitions weren’t too smooth.
Tasha’s scores are in...
18:43 , Rachel McGrathShe’s off to a flying start, with an 8, a 9, another 9 and yet another 9, for a total of 35.
JB delivers a dramatic Paso Doble
18:48 , Rachel McGrathJB’s Mary Poppins-themed waltz last Saturday really showed off his skills and his place at the top of the leaderboard was very well-deserved... but can he hold onto it this week?
His and Lauren’s first dance is a Paso Doble, and they certainly look the part. JB is definitely bringing that Paso energy too. What a way for his semi-final to begin!
Judge tells JB: ‘You brought everything’
18:53 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges had to say about JB’s Paso Doble.
Motsi: “That dance was absolutely amazing. I loved the momentum, I loved the strength. You have gained leading and partnership skills and you delivered.”
“You brought everything to that,” Shirley said. “You went up a gear.”
“I got a little emotional at the end there...” admitted Anton.
And Craig? He struggled to find faults, but this is Craig we’re talking about, so he did manage to. “You need to point your foot... some of the steps I thought were overstepped as well, but I’ve got to say, full of content, powerful, dramatic, the cape exchanges [were] absolutely brilliant, darling.”
JB’s scores are in...
18:54 , Rachel McGrathIt’s his birthday today and he now has something else to celebrate too.
JB has received a 9 from Craig and 10s from the other judges, for a total of 39.
Chris dances the Charleston
18:59 , Rachel McGrathChris really suits an old school, big band number so I’ve been looking for ward to his Charleston to “When You’re Smiling”, which also feels like the perfect track for a man who has brought so many laughs to the series.
And this is a dance that really suits him! He certainly has some swivel and these lifts are brilliant. My only complaint is it did feel a teeny bit slow-paced compared to some of the more wild Charlestons we’ve seen, but it wasn’t bad at all.
Chris McCausland vs Craig Revel Horwood
19:02 , Rachel McGrathThe pair have engaged in some more friendly banter, which has brought laughs throughout the whole series.
“It was slightly underenergised, you have to be outrageous in this dance,” Craig told the comedian, sparking a swift jibe in response.
“This is your chance to change people’s opinions of you because it’s quite low,” Chris quipped.
Laughing, Craig hit back: “It has been for 20 years, darling.”
Chris’s scores are in...
19:04 , Rachel McGrathHe’s landed a 7, an 8, a 9 and another 9, for a total of 33.
Sarah brings the intensity
19:09 , Rachel McGrathI have to say, the songs choices tonigtht are fantastic. Sarah is doing a Tango to “Big Love” by Fleetwood Mac and serving a huge dose of drama.
Vito’s choreography has been phenomenal this series and he really hasn’t given Sarah an easy ride. That’s no different with this routine, which is fastpaced and ambitious. I love it.
‘Passionate and powerful’
19:12 , Rachel McGrath“If I was dancing a semi-final, I would dance like you,” Motsi told Sarah. “You guys never took a break, it was power, power, power.”
Shirley said: “I liked the passionate feel that you had when you drove across the floor.”
Anton agreed that Sarah’s shoulders tend to rise up a little too much, and told her: “If I could overlook that, you would get a 10.”
Sarah’s scores are in...
19:13 , Rachel McGrathAll 9s across the board give Sarah a total of 36, putting her second on the leaderboard for now.
Pete’s up next
19:15 , Rachel McGrathWell... who would have predicted Pete would make it this far? Certainly not the man himself, who has admitted he feels “guilt” about still being in the competition.
For the semifinals, he’s dancing an Argentine Tango and a Foxtrot. Do I think he’ll be bottom of the leadrboard? Yes. Do I think he’ll make it to the final? Honestly, who knows at this point. The viewers have clearly been loving his performances, so anything is possible.
Pete delivers a dapper Foxtrot
19:21 , Rachel McGrathPete’s first dance is a Foxtrot to “Beyond the Sea” by Bobby Darin.
And while his skills are not on the same level as the other semi-finalists, he looks the part and you can see he really is giving it his all. And if that’s been enough to impress viewers, then who am I to argue?
“Your topline and posture was [...] absoutely beautiful,” Anton told Pete, before adding that his leg action was a “disaster.”
Craig said: “For me, it lacked dynamic. You need to come down the stairs together, you were out of sync. It was a little bit robotic, if I dare say.
“But you know what, it was a confident performance. I love you, you know that darling, I think you have really come forward in this whole thing. You’ve given us a lot of grace and class so thank you very much.”
“You are Mr Strictly Come Dancing,” Shirley said. “You are what this show is about.”
Pete’s scores are in...
19:23 , Rachel McGrathHe’s received a 7 from Craig, an 8 from Motsi, a 9 from Shirley and an 8 from Anton, for a score of 32.
Tasha performs her second dance
19:30 , Rachel McGrathTasha’s first dance of the night scored a 35, which would be phenomenal for many of the other semi-finalists — but for Tasha, it was her lowest score since week 5.
She’s now performing a Waltz to Aretha Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and it is, of course, beautiful.
I really do hope we get to see Tasha dance again in the final, she’s scored so highly throughout the series, it would be such a shame to see her fall at the final hurdle.
Motsi has labelled the routine “out of this world sensational” and Shirley said it was “on another level”.
Tasha’s scores are in...
19:32 , Rachel McGrathIt’s a full house! Tasha has a very well-deserved 40.
JB shows off his snake hips
19:39 , Rachel McGrathHe’s dancing a Salsa to “Red Alert” by Basement Jaxx as his second routine of the semi-final, and doing a fantastic job of bringing some energy to the ballroom.
The lifts are absolutely incredible, and the transitions into (and out of) them are slick and smooth too. JB clearly has so much fun on the dancefloor, and brings the joy every single week.
Kicking off the judging, Craig has beckoned him over and given him a handshake!
“Paul Hollywood is in, darling,” Craig quipped before shaking JB’s hand (and he’s right, Paul actually is in the audience... perhaps he’s considering whether to sign up?)
JB’s scores are in...
19:41 , Rachel McGrathAnd he’s landed a 40 too! This is the third 40 of the series so far (the first two went to Tasha).
Chris performs a emotionally-charged Viennese Waltz
19:47 , Rachel McGrathIt couldn’t have been more different to his Charleston.
Set to Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters”, the routine was elegant and emotional — two things we’ve come to expect from the comedian.
He and Dianne were both overcome with emotion at the end. As they hugged Dianne could be seen crying and telling her partner: “I’m so proud of you.”
An emotional night for Chris and Dianne
19:50 , Rachel McGrathThey were both fighting back tears as the judges gave their (positive!) criticism.
Even Craig didn’t have anything bad to say, telling the comedian “magical, darling.”
Chris’s scores are in...
19:51 , Rachel McGrath9s across the board give him and Dianne a total of 36.
Sarah and Vito’s action-packed Jive
19:56 , Rachel McGrathI absolutely adored Sarah’s Charleston last week and I could not have been more excited for her Jive, which is appropriate as she’s performing it to the Pointer Sisters’ hit.
And what a performance, eh? The Jive is so Sarah and Vito coded, and they brought untold amounts of energy to it, pulling off ambitious lifts seamlessly as well. Bravo!
Sarah’s scores are in...
20:00 , Rachel McGrathAnd it’s another full set of 9s! Giving Sarah a score of 36.
Sarah’s Jive had divided the judges, with Craig rubbishing Anton’s claim the routine was “hard” (in the sense of of how heavy her footwork was, rather than difficulty).
Pete closes the show
20:05 , Rachel McGrathWith an Argentine Tango, no less.
The routine is set to a slowed down version of The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony” (which is a lot better than it sounds).
Jowita is doing a lot of of the heavy but hey, she looks fabulous and they are both bringing the drama. And Pete did have a burst of footwork at the end that was very well executed.
Judges disagree on Pete’s Argentine Tango
20:08 , Rachel McGrath“It lacked any Argentine Tango whatsoever,” Craig said. “For a showdance it was spectacular, but it didn’t represent the Argentine Tango.”
Motsi immediatly diagreed and said: “Dancing is not about steps... dancing is about feeling.” She also labelled the former TOWIE star’s routine “hot” which is absolutey true.
“Why does every Argentine Tango have to do the same?” Shirley offered in Pete’s defence.
Pete’s scores are in...
20:11 , Rachel McGrathA 7 from Craig, 8 from Motsi, and 9s from Shirley and Anton give Pete a total of 33 for his second dance of the night. That does put him bottom of the leaderboard with a total if 65 but Chris is only four points ahead of him.
See you next week!
20:34 , Rachel McGrathThat’s it from me for another week. I will be back next Saturday for the grand final. But which celebs will be dancing? Tune in to tomorrow’s results show at 7.20pm to find out.
