Strictly stars are supporting Amy Dowden, who has revealed she will undergo a second mastectomy after being diagnosed with cancer in 2023.
The professional dancer, who was partnered with Thomas Skinner on this year’s series, said she has not received a new diagnosis, but will have the operation upon the advice of her medical team.
In 2024, Dowden said that, despite having no evidence of cancer in her system. she wouldn’t get the all-clear for five years – and would still require treatment.
The news follows model Ellie Goldstein’s elimination from the latest series of the BBC dancing competition in Sunday night’s results show.
Judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke, who all embraced spooky season with elaborate costumes, chose to save EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal after a tense dance off.
The undeniable highlight of this week’s episode was Lewis Cope and Katya Jones’s Couple’s Choice routine, which led to the first perfect score of the series.
Recap this weekend’s show as it happened below...
Key Points
- Strictly professional Amy Dowden undergoing second mastectomy
- Ellie Goldstein eliminated from Strictly
- Who will replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly on Strictly Come Dancing?
- Lewis Cope lands a perfect score
- Karen Carney receives her first 10s after phenomenal Argentine tango
Zoe Ball admits she wants Strictly presenting gig
Saturday 1 November 2025 12:56 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottZoe Ball admitted on her Dig It podcast episode with Jo Whiley that she would like the Strictly presenting gig.
“I think everyone would like to do that job,” the BBC Radio 2 broadcaster said, 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."
Watch the full clip here:
The stars most likely to replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly
Saturday 1 November 2025 12:59 , Lydia Spencer-Elliott
Strictly Come Dancing odds: Who will replace Claudia and Tess?
Week six song choices revealed
Saturday 1 November 2025 13:07 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottHere's who is dancing to what for Halloween week of the competition:
- Alex and Johannes - Salsa to “Horny” by Mousse T feat. Hot 'n' Juicy
- Amber and Nikita - Viennese Waltz to “I See Red” by Everybody Loves an Outlaw
- Balvinder and Julian - Samba to “Stay” by Shakespears Sister
- Ellie and Vito - Tango to “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga
- George and Alexis - Cha Cha Cha to “Apple” by Charli XCX
- Harry and Karen - American Smooth to “Mystical Magical” by Benson Boone
- Karen and Carlos - Argentine Tango to “Red Right Hand” by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
- La Voix and Aljaž - Paso Doble to Beethoven's 5th
- Lewis and Katya - Couple's Choice to “Creep” by Radiohead
- Vicky and Kai - American Smooth to “Total Eclipse of The Heart” by Bonnie Tyler
A look back at last week's leaderboard
Saturday 1 November 2025 13:30 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottIn case you need a reminder of last week’s scores, here’s the leaderboard from Icons Week of the competition:
Lewis Cope and Katya Jones: 9 + 9 + 8 + 8 = 34
Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington: 8 + 8 + 8 + 9 = 33
Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin: 8 + 8 + 8 + 9 = 33
Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe: 7 + 8 + 8 + 9 = 32
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer: 6 + 9 + 7 + 8 = 30
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley: 7 + 8 + 7 + 8 = 30
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu: 7 + 7 + 7 + 7 = 28
Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola: 6 +8 + 7 + 7 =28
Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon: 7 + 7 + 7 + 7 = 28
La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec: 6 + 7 + 7 + 8 = 28
George Clarke and Alexis Warr: 6 + 7 + 6 + 8 = 27
Traitors star Cat Burns to appear on Strictly this week
Saturday 1 November 2025 14:00 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottIn a prime time TV crossover, Celebrity Traitors star Cat Burns is set to appear on Strictly this week.
The singer, known for her single “Go” and her UK top 10 album Early Twenties will perform on Sunday’s results show alongside one professional couple.
Read the full story here:
Celebrity Traitors star Cat Burns to perform on Strictly this weekend
Vicky Pattison tearful over families support
Saturday 1 November 2025 14:30 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottIt’s been an emotional week for Vicky Pattison who welled up on It Takes Two on Wednesday after her father John told her he was “so proud” of her.
More below:
Strictly’s Vicky Pattison fights back tears over sweet family message on live TV
Amber Davies says week five dance off was 'awful'
Saturday 1 November 2025 15:00 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottAmber Davies, who was in the bottom two last week alongside Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has dubbed the dance off an “awful” experience.
The former Love Islander said being in the bottom two against the footballer was one of the “worst feelings in the world”.
“I wasn’t sad because we were in the dance-off, I was sad because I loved him so much,”she said.
“I felt awful that it was us that had to be a part of them getting knocked out”, she continued, adding that the sports star and his professional partner Lauren Oakley were an “amazing team”.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink says he achieved what he set out to on show
Saturday 1 November 2025 15:30 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottHasselbaink said he proved that “a footballer can dance” following his shock elimination from Strictly.
“While I left earlier than I’d hoped, I walk away proud of what I achieved. In just a few weeks, I made my point – a footballer can dance, it’s more than okay to put yourself out there,” he wrote on Instagram.
Read the full story here:
‘I made my point’: Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink speaks out after Strictly elimination
Strictly pro criticises judge's harsh feedback
Saturday 1 November 2025 16:00 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottStrictly’s Karen Hauer has spoken out on the “harsh” criticism she received from the judges over her choreography.
The professional dancer said it was a “shame” that the judges weren’t impressed with her and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey’s Argentine tango during Icons Week as she “loved it”.
Both Craig Revel Horwood and Shirley Ballas criticised the “bump and grind” moves used in the Usher song, with the former saying: “I wasn’t entirely fond of throwing all the groove stuff in there.”
Hauer suggested if the judges wanted her to choreograph a classical Argentine tango, then “give me the music and I’ll do it”.
“That was the assignment,” Karen said. “I was just a bit like”, she said, pulling a face.
Who is Lewis Cope? The soap star topping the Strictly leaderboard
Saturday 1 November 2025 16:30 , Lydia Spencer-Elliott
Meet Lewis Cope: Strictly’s last-minute contestant and star of Emmerdale
Kevin Clifton addresses Strictly host rumours
Saturday 1 November 2025 17:00 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottKevin Clifton has said his girlfriend Stacey Dooley would be “amazing” as a Strictly host after the presenter was named as one of the favourites to front the show.
“Stacey would be amazing. We’ve had no conversations about anything like that,” the star said.
“Me and Stacey are on the other side of it now, where we sit down like everyone else and watch it as fans,” he added of his relationship with the show. “We’re obsessed with Strictly, we’ve become like super fans.”
Alex Kingston tells Claudia her best Halloween story
Saturday 1 November 2025 17:30 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottSeems like the Doctor Who star will be putting her all into her costume for tonight...
The countdown begins
Saturday 1 November 2025 18:21 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottThere are just 15 minutes left until Halloween Week kicks off. Here’s a reminder of who’s performing what tonight:
- Alex and Johannes - Salsa to “Horny” by Mousse T feat. Hot 'n' Juicy
- Amber and Nikita - Viennese Waltz to “I See Red” by Everybody Loves an Outlaw
- Balvinder and Julian - Samba to “Stay” by Shakespears Sister
- Ellie and Vito - Tango to “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga
- George and Alexis - Cha Cha Cha to “Apple” by Charli XCX
- Harry and Karen - American Smooth to “Mystical Magical” by Benson Boone
- Karen and Carlos - Argentine Tango to “Red Right Hand” by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
- La Voix and Aljaž - Paso Doble to Beethoven's 5th
- Lewis and Katya - Couple's Choice to “Creep” by Radiohead
- Vicky and Kai - American Smooth to “Total Eclipse of The Heart” by Bonnie Tyler.
Ready, set, ghoul!
Saturday 1 November 2025 18:36 , Rachel McGrathYes, that's the best pun I could come up with. Strictly's annual Halloween extravaganza is officially underway!
Tonight we have 10 couples taking to the dancefloor and unfortunately, Jimmy and Lauren aren't among them as they lost out in the dance-off to Amber and Nikita last week.
The remaining couples be performing to tracks including Lady Gaga's "Abracadabra" (spooky) and Charli XCX's "Apple (not so spooky) - and of course, they'll all be suitably dressed for the occasion. Let's go!
Judges' costumes revealed
Saturday 1 November 2025 18:41 , Rachel McGrathIt’s not just the Strictly stars and their partners who have been given ghoulish makeovers - the judges are, of course, getting involved in the fun too.
Vicky and Kai open the show in style
Saturday 1 November 2025 18:44 , Rachel McGrathKicking things off tonight, it’s Vicky and Kai.
Vicky - who is riding high from pulling off a brilliant Icons Week tribute to Cheryl - is performing an American Smooth to "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler.
Kai has upped the ante with this routine and Vicky is pulling off the moves like a champ. There are lifts, tempo changes, plenty of spins and (crucially) she’s keeping the smoothness while doing it all. What a way to open the show!
Vicky's 'a contender for the final' says Motsi
Saturday 1 November 2025 18:50 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges had to say to Vicky...
Shirley: “First out and you didn’t have to be nervous at all. There were so many things you made better in this ballroom dance than you did in week two, which was lovely. I thought it was a huge improvement, well done.”
Anton: “I agree with Shirley. That was a terrific performance, I thought it was absolutely marvellous. You have lovely speed differences as well.”
Craig: “I would have liked to see more reach in your arms, smoother transitions from one moment to the next. I’d like a nicer shape when you’re up in the lift in flight. And you could have used the music a little more. But you know, more and more every week you’re becoming loads more confident and it’s just so wonderful to see.”
Motsi: “From a few weeks ago, I couldn’t believe you’d open our show with this setting and atmosphere. I think you did so so well. For me, you are a contender for the final.”
Vicky’s scores are... 7, 8, 8 and 8 - a total of 31.
Ellie tackles the tango
Saturday 1 November 2025 18:55 , Rachel McGrathThis is easily one of the dances I've been looking forward to most - Ellie and Vito are performing a tango to Lady Gaga's "Abracadabra". I'm not sure how the Strictly band will have felt when they saw this on the rundown though...
Ellie is showing her serious side, which she labelled a “challenge” in her VT. It’s opened with her magicking Vito out of a hat and he is dressed as a rabbit, naturally. I will say his costume is a little distracting and not quite in keeping with the serious vibes.
Ellie is doing well though! She has managed to keep her smile away (which must be seriously tough given the joy she’s used to bringing!).
Ellie looks glum after judges' critiques
Saturday 1 November 2025 19:00 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges told Ellie...
Motsi: “She surely did cast a spell. I loved that you were so nervous but you breathed and calmed yourself down. I think for me, you’re one of the best performers. You make a statement, you execute it and it’s on top. The ballroom part, I would have loved a bit more musicality. But you are a fighter and I’m proud of you.”
Shirley: “I agree with Motsi, you are a fantastic performer. I go back to when you did the waltz and there were so many things not quite there but tonight, you did the best promenade position and stayed right there. You didn’t miss a beat. Your musicality is off the charts.”
Anton: “I agree with Motsi and Shirley there. When you’re not in hold, you’re second to none. The timing is great. When you get in hold, that’s where you got a little ahead of Vito in your step patterns. But there’s so much to love.”
Craig: “I’m glad we’re seeing more technique from you because that’s what we really need to see. The waltz got horribly out of time with each other. Your kickball changes, you need to make sure your legs are in. But I loved seeing this new Ellie. The aggression, the serious Ellie.
Bless Ellie, she looks properly gutted after those comments.
Her scores are... 6, 7, 7 and 7 - a total of 27.
George bounces back after Icons Week
Saturday 1 November 2025 19:04 , Rachel McGrathA cha cha to Charli XCX doesn't scream "Halloween" but George and Alexis's huntsman and evil queen costumes are certainly in keeping with the spirit of things.
George ended up bottom of the leaderboard after his Icons Week tribute to Harry Styles, which felt a little bit harsh to say the least.
Tonight, he’s pulling it back in style - they started with an ambitious lift as George flipped Alexis over and this routine is packed with actual cha cha steps. It has, of course, included a nod to the BRAT tour Apple dance too (if you don’t know what this is, the time has passed and there’s no point learning now).
George given a confidence boost by the judges comments - but not the scores
Saturday 1 November 2025 19:10 , Rachel McGrathHere are the judges’ comments for George...
Craig: “For me the biggest issue with this dance is the whole thing was turned in and in this dance, you have to turn out, at least a little bit. But I did love your hip action darling, that was going absolutely mad.”
Motsi: “We can actually celebrate! You did your dance from the beginning to the end and you didn’t make mistakes. I love that. I see a great foundation, you can use your body but you need to pick up your centre a little bit.”
Shirley: “I made quite a few notes and I’ll start here: I don’t think you realise just how good you are. I need you to be more competitive. I need you to believe in your soul that you can go far. I didn’t find your feet overly turned in.”
Anton: “George, my love, you’re going to get it from all of us, we all like what you do. The only person who doesn’t believe in what you do, is you. We’re getting to the halfway stage now and we want to see the next level. You can be there, easy as pie.”
George’s scores are... 6 (ouch!), 7, 8 and 8 - a total of 29.
La Voix gives presenting a go
Saturday 1 November 2025 19:12 , Rachel McGrathNothing screams Strictly Halloween Week quite like a paso doble to Beethoven, which La Voix and Aljaz are performing now.
Before the pair took to the floor, Claudia threw to Tess as usual - but it was La Voix who hilariously presented the segment. She then turned to Tess and asked: “How did I do?”
La Voix delivers a convincing paso doble
Saturday 1 November 2025 19:14 , Rachel McGrathWhile La Voix has brought the laughs in the ballroom, it is fair to say she hasn't always excelled when it comes to mastering the actual steps.
How is she doing with the paso? She was off to a good start, having begun the dance solo and is certainly bringing the drama. I think this is one of her better efforts, you know!
Panel labels La Voix's paso her 'best dance yet'
Saturday 1 November 2025 19:20 , Rachel McGrathHere are the judges’ comments for La Voix...
Anton: “I always wanted to be able to do a Halloween paso doble or tango because when you get to, you get this - the magnificent concept, costume and the drama. It’s all thrilling and this was everything, I loved, loved, loved this.”
Craig: “I would like to have seen more arch in the dance, a bit more of an oval shape. But you had power, passion, authority. You owned it. That is your personal best.”
Motsi: “Without a doubt, that was your best dance ever. You have to fight back from going ahead of the music and you did that so well. I stopped thinking, I was with you. You gave me that music like poetry.”
Shirley: “Sometimes people have the wrong perception of the paso. You showed me what it is to do a beautiful paso doble. The neckline, the skirt, the quality of movement. You were focused. It was calm, it was quiet. It was brilliant. Well done.”
La Voix’s scores are... 8(!), 9, 9 and another 9 - a total of 35.
Lewis dances phenomenal Couple's Choice dedicated to his family
Saturday 1 November 2025 19:26 , Rachel McGrathPerforming their Couple's Choice this week, it's Lewis and Katya.
Katya is undeniably one of the best choreographers on the show and let's be honest, it's been a while since she's been able to really flex those muscles with a celeb capable of taking on ambitious routines. Which is why I've spent all week stalking their Instas for glimpses at what they've been planning for tonight.
In his VT, Lewis shared a little about his life - revealing that he has 13(!) siblings, who he is incredibly close to.
His Couple’s Choice is a tribute to his loved ones and the band’s cover of this Radiohead track is a jazzed up big band version, to match their jazz routine, which is action-packed. There have been lifts, tempos changes and Lewis tap dancing on a piano. Phenomenal. Bravo Lewis (and Katya!).
Lewis lands first 40 of the series
Saturday 1 November 2025 19:30 , Rachel McGrathHere are the judges’ comments for Lewis...
Craig: “I’m a fan. This is Halloween darling, spooktacular.”
Motsi: “This is a moment. This is one of those moments we’ll remember in five years. Out of this world. Out of this world.”
Shirley: “I’m having an emotional moment. My message is for your family at home, for giving you to all of us so we can enjoy that brilliant work. Well done you.”
Anton: “Well good heavens above. I could say it’s the best dance of the series and it is by a million miles. But that dance is as good as anything we’ve seen on any series.”
Here are his scores... 10, 10, 10 and 10 - we have the first 40 of the series!
Balvinder gives the rumba a go
Saturday 1 November 2025 19:35 , Rachel McGrathBalvinder and Julian are up next with a rumba to "Stay" by Shakespears Sister.
I really feel for Balvinder. She stated so promisingly in the competition but last week it was clear that being in the dance-off twice had rattled her confidence. And just when she might be able to breath a sigh of relief, she has to perform one of the most dreaded of all the Strictly dances...
This route isn’t too bad at all for a rumba, but it does look a bit simple after Lewis’s extravaganza (which is obviously not Balvinder’s fault!). There are some elegant lifts and she’s brought great characterisation though.
Balvinder praised for growing confidence and characterisation
Saturday 1 November 2025 19:40 , Rachel McGrathShirley: “At the beginning of the series you looked nervous, but here you’re in a sensual moment with your partner and you looked great. I’m getting emotional... those small moments as you’re moving along, I see those, and more confidence. You did very well indeed.”
Anton: “Your musicality in the upper arms was beautiful but it looked a little hesitant down below. You get a little trapped between two feet. Make sure you transfer weight completely from one foot to another. But well done you.”
Craig: “It was a little unstable looking and it lost flow because of that. But it was full of character and expression, and fierceness.”
Motsi: “For me, you’re one of the most expressive dancers we have here. You committed emotion with your body, you can feel it. You had some fast moments and then quiet. It’s difficult to time that but you always looked serene.”
Balvinder’s scores are... 7, 7, 7 and 7 - a total of 28.
Harry makes mistakes in the American Smooth
Saturday 1 November 2025 19:44 , Rachel McGrathHarry and Karen are up next with an American Smooth to "Mystical Magic" by Benson Boone.
The Gladiators star and gym bunny has previously proven himself to be unexpectedly elegant in the ballroom styles and tonight’s routine proves that once again.
There are lots of lifts which he is (obviously) making light work of, though it has to be said he’s lost his way a little in the second half of this. And it all started so well!
Judges pick up on Harry's mistake
Saturday 1 November 2025 19:49 , Rachel McGrathHere are the judges’ comments for Harry...
Anton: “This topline, beautiful. I just wrote down here ‘lovely lyrical timing’ then you went wrong, right in the middle of the room. There was so much to like, the lifts were a breeze. Nice feel, lovely line. All good apart from the mistake in the middle.”
Craig: “Other than the mistake, I felt it lost elegance. The artistry, you need to get into your arms, and your finishing positions need work. I’d suggest a softer approach for something like this. But I do love you darling, and you bring a lot to the table.”
Motsi: “I thought it was elegant, smooth, I was nervous about the slow moments but you held composure. We saw the mistake but you went a gear up after the mistake. I would have loved that through the whole dance.”
Shirley: “American smooth for me is a balance between closed and open hold, and I think you got the balance well. I felt you could have taken more volume in the whole room. Transitions are getting better. Other than that mistake, you did very well.”
Harry’s scores are... 6 (ouch), 7, 6 and 7 - a total of 26.
Karen brings the drama in a near-flawless Argentine tango
Saturday 1 November 2025 19:53 , Rachel McGrathWhat could be more perfect for Halloween Week than an Argentine Tango?
After last week's rumba, Karen and Carlos are switching things up with a Peaky Blinders-themed routine set to the show’s theme tune Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds track "Red Right Hand". The choice is not only perfect for Halloween, but also great for Brummie Karen.
Karen’s footwork is sensational. She’s not missing a beat - which is saying something because there is no let up in this choreography.
They are seriously bringing the drama too. And fanstastic lifts. I think Karen could be going right up the leaderboard after that.
Karen lands her first 10s
Saturday 1 November 2025 19:57 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges told Karen...
Motsi: “What do I say? What a night. Another fabulous number. It’s a type of dance where you depend on your partner and I loved that you [Carlos] challenged her. Well done guys, that was amazing.”
Shirley: “You absolutely smashed the choreography for me. I loved the intensity, you stayed right where you were supposed to be. You role reversed in the middle. Entertaining. Just great.”
Anton: “Tonight, you’re back. And’s what more, better than ever. This was extraordinarily good. I loved it.”
Craig: “I would have liked to have seen a smoother passing of your feet. But that was clean, it was confident. I loved, loved, loved that dance.”
Karen’s scores are... 9, 10, 9 and another 10 - a total of 38.
Alex and Johannes deliver lift-packed salsa
Saturday 1 November 2025 20:02 , Rachel McGrathIt's salsa time for Alex and Johannes! Alex has so far mastered all of the dances that the celebs usually struggle with, but is she also bucking the trend tonight?
Her performance is to "Horny" by Mousse T which is an inspired choice, let’s just say that.
First of all, they booth look *incredible* in red sparkly outfits complete with devil tails. Alex is really selling it but doesn’t look as comfortable as she has in previous weeks.
The routine includes the pair’s first attempts at lifts, which they’ve done very well. A solid effort!
Judges lap up Alex's salsa
Saturday 1 November 2025 20:06 , Rachel McGrathAlex’s comments are in...
Shirley: “I’ve never seen that kind of hip rotation! You gave it all and you shook that tail. You were great, I loved it.”
Anton: “Yes, yes, yes, yes! The side by side, oh man alive... Can I give you one piece of advice? In hold, it should be spaghetti arms. That’s all. The rest of it is amazing.”
Craig: “It was like watching a woman go through a midlife crisis. Jojo, you totally stole the show darling. The shoulders were a bit raised, your balance and stuff... but I loved that dance.”
Motsi: “They had to hold me back! Johannes has a special kind of energy but I loved the fact you kept your own energy. You were laid back, you were sensual, that was feminine power.”
And her scores are... 8, 9, 9 and 9 - a total of 35.
Amber closes Halloween Week
Saturday 1 November 2025 20:11 , Rachel McGrathIt's Amber and Nikita’s turn to close the live show.
This week is a real test for Amber, who last week found herself in the dance-off - despite having finished joint second on the leaderboard.
I was gutted to see Jimmy go but the judges undeniably made the right decision to save the Love Islander.
Tonight, she's dancing a Little Red Riding Hood-themed Viennese waltz to "I See Red" by Everybody Loves An Outlaw. It is, incredibly good. There’s more drama than usual in a waltz (which is a good thing) and Amber certainly isn’t letting last week shake her. Bravo!
Judges' comments to Amber vary - but scores are high
Saturday 1 November 2025 20:15 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges have told Amber...
Motsi: “What a competition! It’s a tough, tough year. Storytelling, character, on point. Watch out for your left shoulder but otherwise, beautiful.”
Shirley: “I thought everything you executed was extremely good. But on my book, it says Viennese waltz. But for me, this was American smooth. The real waltz didn’t come to frutition but everything you did was lovely.”
Anton: “The theatre there was extraordinary. Your timing, exquisite, your movement across the foor. The problem with the shoulders was the only one. I loved it, well done.”
Craig: “Darling, don’t listen to old witchypoo on the end [Anton]. The Viennese waltz can be boring and I loved what you did with that. You mixed it up. Go for it, darling.”
Amber’s scores are... 9, 9, 8 and 9 - a total of 35.
Voting has opened
Saturday 1 November 2025 20:16 , Rachel McGrathYou only have until 8.45pm to save your fave pairs so go, go, go and use those votes wisely!
This week's leaderboard
Saturday 1 November 2025 20:34 , Rachel McGrathWhat an episode, eh?
Lewis Cope has come out on top thanks to his sensational Couple’s Choice.
Here’s how the rest of the leaderboard looks...
Strictly 2025 leaderboard: Scores from week six of BBC series
Lewis Cope lands first perfect score of the series
Sunday 2 November 2025 10:44 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottWow! What a night. Let’s look back at the routine that landed Lewis Cope the first perfect score of the series...
Who will be in the dance off tonight?
Sunday 2 November 2025 11:30 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottWe won’t know until the Result’s Show at 7.15pm tonight which of the remaining couples will be in the dreaded dance off.
However, Eastenders star Balvinder Sopal, model Ellie Goldstein and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey are all at risk in the bottom three of the leaderboard.
See the full list of last night’s scores below:
Strictly 2025 leaderboard: Scores from week six of BBC series
Karen Carney upped the ante with her Argentine Tango
Sunday 2 November 2025 12:00 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottFormer England footballer Karen Carney lifted her first 10 last night for her Peaky Blinders themed Argentine Tango to “Red Right Hand” by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, walking away with a total score of 38.
Here’s the moody routine that wowed the judges and put the sports star in second place on the leaderboard.
La Voix wowed the judges with their Paso Doble
Sunday 2 November 2025 12:30 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottIt was a similarly triumphant night for La Voix, who scored a huge 35 points for their Paso Doble to Beethoven’s 5th , with an eight from Craig Revel Horwood and nines from the other three judges.
Let’s take a look at the Queen of Hearts choreography that brought the drama to the dance floor:
La Voix proved she deserves to be taken seriously in Halloween Week
Sunday 2 November 2025 13:00 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottThe RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star has provided plenty of comedy moments on Strictly, but she’s at her best when she shows her serious side, writes Rachel McGrath
Strictly Come Dancing’s La Voix has proven she deserves to be taken seriously
Who will replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly?
Sunday 2 November 2025 14:00 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottAs the rumours rumble on, here are the bookies favourite stars to takeover the job of hosting Strictly from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman:
Strictly Come Dancing odds: Who will replace Claudia and Tess?
James Jordan shares verdict on Lewis Cope's 'perfect' performance
Sunday 2 November 2025 14:30 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottFormer Strictly pro James Jordan, who famously enjoyed a heated discussion with the judges, has shared his verdict on Lewis Cope’s perfect score routine.
“Epic!!! One of the best dances I have ever seen on Strictly!!” the pro dancer wrote on Instagram.
He added: “And I HATE couples choice - unless like thisWell done!!!” High praise indeed...
Who ranked where on the week six leaderboard?
Sunday 2 November 2025 15:00 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottLet’s take a look back at that all important leaderboard following Saturday night’s show...
Strictly 2025 leaderboard: Scores from week six of BBC series
Who is Lewis Cope? The star who landed the first perfect score of the season
Sunday 2 November 2025 16:00 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottLearn all you need to know about the Emmerdale star who swapped the Dales for the dance floor:
Meet Lewis Cope: Strictly’s last-minute contestant and star of Emmerdale
Who has the casting vote on tonight's results show?
Sunday 2 November 2025 17:30 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottFor the 2025 series there was a radical change to the Strictly voting system, where the final dance off decision is placed in the hands of alternating judges rather than just those of head judge Shirley Ballas.
The judge with the casting vote is announced at the end of every Saturday show, with this week’s dreaded dance off decision back in the hands of Ballas.
If Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse’s verdict is tied, it will be up to the 65-year-old Latin star to pick which contestant goes home.
Traitors star Cat Burns to perform on tonight's results show
Sunday 2 November 2025 18:00 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottCelebrity Traitors star Cat Burns will perform on Strictly’s results show tonight in an exciting crossover for the two popular BBC shows.
The 25-year-old singer will appear ahead of the dance-off between the bottom two couples.
Her music will be accompanied with a performance by professional dancers Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu, who will receive an invitation to The Monsters’ Ball.
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Celebrity Traitors star Cat Burns to perform on Strictly this weekend
Could Zoe Ball be Strictly's next presenter?
Sunday 2 November 2025 18:30 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottBBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball, who is one of the bookies’ favourite to take over hosting the show has revealed how she’d feel about taking over from Tess Daly or Claudia Winkleman on the programme.
"I think everyone would like to do that job,” she said. "Everyone's going to want that job. There will be queues going around the block."
Just half an hour to go before the results show
Sunday 2 November 2025 18:45 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottThere’s just 30 minutes to go until this week’s Strictly results show kicks off
It’s official: Ellie has become the fifth contestant to be voted off this series of Strictly
Ellie Goldstein becomes fifth celebrity eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing
Strictly Come Dancingviewers have made their feelings clear after Ellie Goldstein became the fifth celebrity contestant to be eliminated from the 2025 series.
The 23-year-old model departed the popular BBC reality series – along with pro partner Vito Coppola – at the end of Sunday night’s (2 November) results show, after losing a dance-off to Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon.
Louis Chilton reports:
Strictly viewers react to Ellie Goldstein’s exit: ‘She should be proud’
When is the Strictly Come Dancing final?
09:21 , Jacob StolworthyHalloween Week marks the midway point in the competition with just six shows remaining until the final.
The show’s glittering Blackpool Week will take place in two show’s time on Saturday, 22 November.
Meanwhile the final showdown of the competition will air on Saturday, 20 December.
Only time will tell who’ll lift that glitterball...
Lewis Cope addresses claims he’s a ‘professional’ dancer
10:13 , Jacob StolworthySome viewers have claimed that Cope has an unfair advantage due to his previous dance experience, complaining about the competition’s “double standards”.
Cope made his stage debut at just 11 years old, playing Michael in the West End hit Billy Elliot: The Musical.
The actor was also part of the hip-hop troupe Ruff Diamond as a teenager, who finished as runners-up on the Sky One dance competition Got to Dance in 2013.
He has dismissed claims that he’s a “professional” dancer, labelling the accusations “bizarre”.
“I don’t really know where all that came from, to be honest,” he said. “I trained as an actor. I danced a bit when I was a teen, but haven’t since.”
Amy Dowden to undergo second mastectomy
10:49 , Jacob StolworthyStrictly professional Amy Dowden has told her fans she is undergoing a second mastectomy after being diagnosed with cancer in 2023.
She wrote on Instagram on Monday (3 November): “As you all know I’ve always been very open about my health and the care I receive. So I’d like to start by being clear what I am about to share is not to treat a new cancer diagnosis.
“However, following a recent appointment with my incredible medical team, we’ve decided that I’ll be having another mastectomy this week.
“They’re confident that, all going well, I can expect a straightforward recovery. Once I have healed I look forward to rejoining my Strictly family.”
Strictly stars send love to Amy Dowden
11:25 , Jacob StolworthyAfter Strictly professional Amy Dowden revealed she was undergoing a second mastectomy this week, her friends and co-stars shared their love and support online.
Thomas Skinner, who was partnered with Dowden on this year’s series of the BBC competition, wrote: “Love ya Amy. Hope it all goes well. You are a legend.”
Meanwhile, her fellow professionals Karen Hauer, Dianne Buswell and Jowita Przystal also sent their well wishes while 2025 contestant Karen Carney posted: “Sending so much love.”
McFly singer Tom Fletcher added: “All the love to you my wonderful friend.”
Fans complain George Clarke ‘set up’ by choreography and music choices
12:06 , Jacob StolworthyClarke and his partner Alexis Warr received a score of just 29 for their spooky Cha Cha to “Apple” by Charlie XCX.
Viewers complained on X/Twitter that the judges had picked up on “every single one of George’s mistakes”, while the viewing public “barely noticed”.
Additionally, they said Clarke was being “set up” by choreography that didn’t demonstrate his skills on the dancefloor as much as possible.
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Strictly fans complain George Clarke ‘set up’ after second week of low scores
Star shocks viewers as they take over from Tess Daly as host
12:43 , Jacob StolworthyAs much as La Voix was focussed on those high scores, they still had a few minutes to turn viewers heads by unexpectedly replacing Tess Daly as host of the show.
Following the presenting segment, La Voix turned to Daly, who announced alongside her co-host Claudia Winkleman she’d be leaving the show at the end of this series last week, and asked: “How did I do?”
Fans already think they should be handed the job.
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Strictly star shocks viewers as they take over from Tess Daly as host
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink says he achieved what he set out to on show
13:17 , Jacob StolworthyHasselbaink said he proved that “a footballer can dance” following his shock elimination from Strictly last week.
“While I left earlier than I’d hoped, I walk away proud of what I achieved. In just a few weeks, I made my point – a footballer can dance, it’s more than okay to put yourself out there,” he wrote on Instagram.
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‘I made my point’: Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink speaks out after Strictly elimination
Joe Sugg speaks out on Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s ‘rushed’ Strictly announcement
13:45 , Jacob StolworthyFormer Strictly contestant Joe Sugg has claimed Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly’s shock exit announcement was “’rushed” due to pressure from the media.
Sugg, who competed on the programme in 2018 alongside his real-life partner Dianne Buswell, said in a new YouTube video that the duo may have moved their announcement forward to get ahead of a news outlet breaking the story before them.
Read the full story below:
Joe Sugg addresses Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s ‘rushed’ Strictly announcement
Join us again this weekend as we kick off the updates from the BBC series’s seventh week. Will Lewis manage to keep a perfect score? Will Balvinder be spared from the dance off? Will La Voix continue to steal the show?
Time will tell! Until then... keeeeep dancing.
