Thank you and take a bow
That concludes Saturday’s greasepaint-scented liveblog but please feel free to continue the backstage gossip. Meet you back here tomorrow for this year’s penultimate (!) results show. It airs at the slightly later time of 7.45pm Sunday on BBC1, featuring a Chicago-inspired pro dance and a performance from hit comedy musical Titanique.
I’ll spark up the blog at 7.15pm for build-up, so please rejoin me then. In the meantime, I’m @michaelhogan on Twitter/X and @michaelhogan100 pretty much everywhere else, so please feel free to drop in for a luvvie-ish airkiss. Also, of course, feel free to order my debut novel for cosy December reading or ideal Christmas gifting. (Well, I couldn’t go a week without mentioning it).
Thanks again for watching along with me, my triple threat friends. See you tomorrow but in the meantime, it’s the traditional thespian motto: keeeeeep dancing! Goodnight.
Finally, on a certain furry VIP, MikeMoonlight says: “The Daily Mail is apparently absolutely furious that an undocumented Peruvian has been given a prime time spot on the BBC.”
wtrukus adds: “Wow. Paddington sounded way better than some of the musical guests they’ve had.”
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On Lewis Cope, EmmyHarb says: “I found that too stop-start and it felt like a group dance much more than the two of them.”
ReclinedPotato says: “Oh, I love that manly athletic style of dance that Lewis just gave us. Reminds me of Gene Kelly. Absolute magic. Didn’t like the music or the staging but it’s a dancing show, no?”
DougandDinsdale says: “Lewis’ ‘salsa’ wasn’t very salsa, more running around and doing stuff he does every week.”
SnailyWhaley says: “Love West Side Story but I don’t think Lewis had the best music for that dance. The track makes so much difference. Amber and Bal had music perfectly suited to their dances, which helps so much.”
Gardener_Maidhc says: “Feel like they decided to do the original West Side Story level of intensity choreo for this dance but forgot that it’s so famously extremely difficult and high energy that even the pros have to spend weeks learning.”
JoMK73 adds: “Lewis did some amazing things in that dance but to me, it didn’t seem like a natural fit for him, which Shirley explained better in terms of his breathing. Amazing lift and wonderful spins. Was I the only one who was reminded of Patrick Swayze sweating in a vest?”
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On Amber Davies, Poppieshen says: “Well, that Charleston felt like a proper musical theatre routine and to a song I love. Sadly, despite how good Amber is, I just can’t get interested in her.”
Lushattic says: “Blimey, that’s ripped the roof off the joint. It’s a 10 for me.”
SnailyWhaley says: “Spectacular from Amber. As it should be. She lucked out getting a Charleston on Musicals Week.”
MsChuffy adds: “Honestly, if I’d paid to see Guys n Dolls and seen that, I’d be EXTREMELY happy.”
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On Balvinder Sopal, MarkRoche says: “Balvinder looks gorgeous tonight. I’m a sucker for a Viennese and by golly, that was exquisite.”
MarianneRow says: “Loved the dress, loved the music, loved the sway and total immersion in the dance.”
Toesturnedin says: “I’ve been very fond of Balvinder since the series started and that dance just made me fall in love with her a bit. She has an elegance that you can’t teach. Beautiful.”
ladyglencora says: “Bal has come so far. She has such a connection with Julian and that was a beautiful, moving performance.”
Startingfromnow adds: “Bal has come from five dance-offs, no dance training and working on EastEnders at the same time as training. She is the hardest working woman I know and deserves your votes tonight. And thank you for being so kind on here. Her friends and family follow along!”
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On Karen Carney, Ireeverentnurse says: “Well done, Karen, you gave it some welly, even if there was what looked like a small mishap. You recovered it so well.”
Heartticker says: “I didn’t hate that samba as much as I thought I was going to. Would have liked to have seen her dance a proper samba, though.”
Swalk77 says: “Oh, I love Carlos so much. He’s definitely the Keith Brymer Jones of Strictly. Him and Karen are fantastic.”
Gardener_Maidhc says: “This is psychedelic in all the wrong ways. Karen is trying bless her but seems like a mess to me. Can we just pretend that didn’t happen?”
Jockette61 says: “Well, that was horrible. Can’t comment on the dancing but the WORST ever costumes in 23 series.”
EmmyHarb adds: “Forget Andrew Lloyd Webber, Ian Wright is an actual legend.”
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On George Clarke, emilyscatnaps says: “Aaaaarrrggghhhh. I already hate this Argentine tango to a completely inappropriate song. No! How can you simmer with passion in an Argentine to this nonsense?”
Heartticker says: “Well, well, well, George. A bit of a slow start and rather strange music for an AT but I really liked that.”
Lidoswimmer says: “Well done, George, that was a performance. And it takes some skill and strength to be able to lift and swing her so cleanly.”
jagadox says: “I didn’t think George was the Argentine tango type of bloke. Brooding, sexual and commanding. And I’m not sure I did, although Alexis was on fire.”
diamondcat adds: “Loved that AT. Very dramatic and wonderful lifts. I was rather put off by the singing, though, which sounded like it was coming from the bottom of a drain. Appropriate, I suppose, as it all takes place underground.”
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Readers’ reviews are in
The notices are here, darlings. Here’s a rapid-fire round-up of your comments. Somersetlass says: “Wow! Loved, loved, loved that Dance Relay. It was all mildly chaotic but utterly joyous! What a way to start the show.”
YodaknowsAll says: “The standard is so high this year that the celebs are part of the opening number. I really enjoyed that.”
yorkshirecoast adds: “Just had to take a Benadryl as I suffer from an allergy to all things Cockernee.”
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Golden Glitterballs (theatrical edition)
Who needs standing ovations or Olivier Awards? Not us, no siree. Here are this week’s lucky liveblog gong-getters…
Best dance: Amber’s Charleston just eclipses that Dance Relay and Paddington Bear busting a move.
Worst dance: Karen’s samba finished bottom of the scoreboard, which seems harsh but here we are. It’s week 11, innit. Standards are high.
Best music choice: A tie between Never Enough and Rhythm Of Life. Both bangers, brilliantly performed by Dave Arch and his merry band.
Worst music choice: That Phantom of the Opera dirge.
Best outfit: A tie between Balvinder and Katya’s dresses. Also liked Nadiya’s green frock for the bear bit (as opposed to bearpit)
Worst outfit: George’s phantom mask somehow looked rather medical. Karen’s hippy get-up didn’t do her any favours either.
Best VT: After all the visits to West End productions, I enjoyed the stripped-back simplicity of Lewis and Katya watching West Side Story on a projector, while she explained the dancing to him. Comfy-looking beanbags, too.
Worst VT: Andrew Lloyd Webber was awkz. Sorry, m’lord. Apols, Andy.
Best judges’ comment: “Your partner, who is called Julian,” said Motsi to Bal. “Just reminding my perimenopausal brain.”
Best Claudia quip: “I almost prefer it when you cry,” to an overexcited Carlos. Honourable mention to “My mum is here!” when Nikita lifted her up.
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From Tony and Maria to Tony Montana
TV viewers can now stay on BBC1 for Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel or flip to Channel 4 for Sandi’s Great Riviera Rail Trip.
At 9pm, it’s The Veiled World of Nick Cave on Sky Arts or I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! on ITV1. At 9.05pm, there’s Wild Cherry on BBC1 or Christmas TV We Loved & Lost on Channel 5.
If all those musicals-which-are-films-really has put you in a movie mood, tonight’s picks are About Time (9pm on Comedy Central), Knives Out (10.05pm on Channel 4), The Northman (11.15pm on Film4), King Richard (11.30pm on BBC2) and Scarface (12.35am on Channel 4). Say hello to my little friend…
Musicals Week leaderboard in full
Amber Davies takes top billing on the quarter-final scoreboard with her perfect 40.
Lewis Cope, Balvinder Sopal and George Clarke are all tied in second spot. Down the bottom is Karen Carney, albeit just one point behind that cluster.
Safety curtain comes down
Chorus line leaders Tess and Claud instruct us to “Keeeeeep dancing!”. As the end credits roll, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
The casting vote goes to…
This week, the deciding vote in the dance-off goes to… Motsi Mabuse! This plot twist will be interesting one week, probably.
Tonight’s action recapped
An encore for the night’s five routines on-screen now. Which West End wendies are you voting for? Which Broadway berties are you definitely not?
Voting is… drum roll please, Dave Arch… open!
Online-only, naturally. What do you think we are? Savages? The now traditional prop-waving chaos erupts.
My favourite Strictly-meets-Paddington factoid: the prison dance by Hugh Grant’s villainous character Phoenix Buchanan at the end of Paddington 2 was choreographed by no less than Craig Revel Horwood. Pad-u-lous!
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The ursine hero joins us in the ballroom. Let’s have a look at his furry footwork. The song is The Explorer & The Bear from the new Paddington musical. Oh, Padders.
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Music and marmalade sandwiches
An exclusive performance now from former Strictly contestant Tom Fletcher - the McFly frontman was paired with Amy Dowden in 2021 and eliminated in week nine. Vito Coppola and Nadiya Bychkova provide choreographic accompaniment.
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Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points, the same as Balvinder and George. A video message from Lewis’ niece and nephews. Cute as buttons.
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Judges’ comments: Motsi says “wow, pushed it physically, so much content and always the star amid the ensemble, great job”. Shirley says “not your best by far, missed connection and lost timing, looked a little bit tight and needed breathing but still a lot to like”. Anton says “incredible physicality and strong characterisation but partnering stuff needed subtlety”. Craig concludes “basic salsa a bit square, footwork turned in at times, things weren’t finished, you’ve danced better but it had power and punch”. Eights and nines?
Lewis and Katya’s salsa
Actor Lewis Cope didn’t score a perfect 40 last week like Amber and Karen but he did win the Instant Dance challenge and top the combined leaderboard, so remains the contest’s highest scorer. After last week’s rumba, it’s time for a much faster Latin dance. Loads of energy. Upbeat and action-packed with lifts and leaps. A variety of rhythms and tempos. Tiny awkward timing issues early on, I thought, but a proper big number with storytelling, drama and style. Great connection with pro partner Katya Jones, who’s put together sizzling choreography. Shoulder shimmies. Saucy, spicy, a run of spins. Fluid and bags of fun.
Song: The Dance at the Gym from West Side Story. It soundtracks the dance-off challenge scene between the Sharks and the Jets, during which star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria locks eyes and fall for each other.
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Judges’ scores: 10, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 40 points. Her second maximum in a row and top of the standings, obv. She gets a cute video message from her old school.
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Judges’ comments: Craig says “too clean and neat but swivel and timing were perfect, an absolute sen-say-tion”. Motsi says “one word, perfection”. Shirley says “destined for the West End (ahem), you’re an absolute star”. Anton concludes “so brilliant, very difficult to find a dance better than this, ever, I’d give you 25”. Another perfect 40 incoming, I suspect.
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Amber and Nikita’s Charleston
This is her dream week but expect further grumbling about Amber Davies’ prior dance experience and day job as a stage musical star. Understandable. The Charleston should suit her down o the glittery ground, although it’s her third fast dance in a row after the quickstep and jive, so fatigue might be an issue. Throwing everything at it, while still telling a story with partner Nikita Kuzmin. Sparkly flapper girl styling. Complex, colourful and characterful. Precise and sharp, with the requisite kicks, flicks and tricks. Prop work and lifts. Flagged a little towards the end but wow. A proper showstopper.
Song: Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat from Guys & Dolls. Frank Loesser’s 1950 number, sung by gambler Nicely-Nicely Johnson, was performed in the pilot episode of Glee and soundtracked a group dance by the Strictly pros in 2022.
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Bal and George get a joint birthday cake. Presented by Ginger Neil, naturally. Eat it! Workplace bullying if you ask me. (Kidding.)
Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points. Her highest score and joint top with George as it stands. “I have waited for that feeling,” says Bal. “You’re such an incredible woman,” says Jules, who is also emotional. “You’re going to get us all going,” says Claud, before going into an adorable video from Bal’s nieces. Aww.
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Judges’ comments: Anton says “epic and exquisite, swept across the floor, danced with a freedom that I’ve only seen in your Instant Dance performance, magnificent”. Craig says “extend your arms, shoulder raised up, still a little bit turned in but it had flow and feeling, you are a fighter”. Motsi says “I was holding Shirley’s hand throughout, you channelled everything you’ve been through in the last few weeks”. She comes out to give Bal a proud hug. Shirley concludes “I had chills, you’re a hero, beauty and charm”. Eights and nines?
Rousing reception for a tearful Balvinder. “So proud of you,” says Julian sweetly. “You deserve that.”
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Balvinder and Julian’s Viennese waltz
EastEnders actor Balvinder Sopal and her partner Julian Caillon’s has made Strictly history by surviving five dance-offs and could do it again by competing in an unprecedented sixth. It was her 47th birthday this week and dodging the bottom two would be the perfect gift. Julian channelling fellow Aussie “Huge” Jackman as the ringmaster. She’s worked hard on refining her footwork and is taking her time with a slow opening section, then into pivots and turns to travel around the floor. Soft spins and gentle flow but with moments of power and rotation. Lovely hands and arms. Romantic and tender but among the flashier Latin and specialist dances elsewhere, could such a traditional number get overshadowed?
Song: Never Enough from The Greatest Showman. The empowering ballad about being yourself and following your dreams has been covered by Kelly Clarkson. It’s never appeared on Strictly before but on BBC contest The Greatest Dancer (remember that?), teenage winner Ellie Fergusson danced to it alongside her mentor Oti Mabuse.
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Judges’ scores: 8, 8, 9, 9 for a total of 34 points, one fewer than George. “I was trying to shake what my mama gave me,” says Kaz. She gets a good luck video from Ian Wright, Wright, Wright.
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Judges’ comments: Shirley says “loved the whole production, off-the-chart sense of balance, spins and chemistry great, had the bounce, quite the force to be reckoned with”. Anton says “threw everything at it, you missed his hand on the spin but spun anyway, small footwork error but execution bang-on and energy great”. Craig says “that will relieve everyone of their winter blues but too frenetic and busy, a bit stiff in the body but fantastic”. Motsi concludes “sensational spins, strong solo spins, you really attacked it, wanted the hips moving more but so convincing”. Eights and nines ahoy?
Karen and Carlos’ samba
The momentum is with former Lioness Karen Carney after scores of 39 and 40 in the past two weeks. She’s not the biggest fan of musicals and the samba technique is notoriously tricky but she’s determined to nail it. Working a hippy chic look in a flared, tasselled trouser suit, with partner Carlos Gu resplendent in John Lennon specs and gold slacks. Finding her hips and shaking her stuff. Slightly awkward marriage of theme and dance. More Carwarsh disco than Rio carnival. Bounce and rotation is there. So are the fast feet you’d expect from a footballer but perhaps a little stiff and lacking in fluidity. Needs to loosen up but she’s bringing the party vibe and selling it hard. Changes of rhythm and fun choreography. Cracking chorus line to finish and streamers fall.
Song: The Rhythm of Life from Sweet Charity. The funk-soul banger is performed by hippy cult leader Big Daddy, played by Sammy David Jr in the 1969 film version. It’s been covered by The Temptations and Diana Ross & The Supremes.
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Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points. They get a mildly awkward video message from Lord Lloyd Webber. “Thanks, Andy,” says George.
Judges’ comments: Motsi says “opened the show with conviction, Alexis was flying in the air, strong partnering skills and characterisation”. Shirley says “liked the seriousness, controlled and leading, seamless, enjoyed it”. Anton says “taken aback by your intensity, loved it, transferred well into the dance and quality partnering, more of this please”. Craig concludes “footwork untidy and sticky, difficult music but excellent lifts”. An eight and three nines incoming?
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George and Alexis’ Argentine tango
Content creator™ George Clarke has admitted to disliking musicals. However, he does enjoy embracing and embodying characters. He’s had playful numbers for the past couple of weeks but now needs to tap into his serious side. Dry ice overload. Let’s hope it doesn’t conceal the footwork. Very intricate with controlled power and close hold. Fast legs and feet. Plenty of intensity and he’s leading partner Alexis Warr pretty well. Takes off in the third act. Lacking a little passion and fire, perhaps, but his performance levels and theatricality have certainly improved. It was George’s 26th birthday this week and what a way to celebrate.
Song: The Point of No Return from The Phantom of the Opera. This romantic duet between the Phantom and heroine Christine appears towards the end of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical.
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Our Strictly stars™
The field’s getting small now. Our five pro-celebrity pairings emerge for their staircase wave. The dressing-up box has been ransacked, as you’d expect.
Judges join the cast
The paddle raising panel enter stage left. Motsi Mabuse is in a purple mini-dress and Shirley Ballas in blue satin. They’ve come as Quality Street. Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood in their regular Moss Bros rentals.
Frockwatch
Here come our leading ladies, so time for a Musicals edition of our usual fashion match-up. Tess Daly is in pink with bows. Claudia Winkleman is in a black minidress with boat neck. It’s not a competition. (But if it was, Claud would win.)
East End meets West End. Get outta my pub!
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu are last out, cutting some rug to Flash Bang Wallop from Half A Sixpence.
Scott Mills and Joanne Clifton did a Charleston to it a decade ago, as did Tyler West and Dianne Buswell in 2022. Tommy Steele swagger. What a picture indeed. Strike a light.
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Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin dance to Trip A Little Light Fantastic by Lin-Manuel Miranda from Mary Poppins Returns. The 2019 glitterball winners Kelvin Fletcher and Oti Mabuse danced a Charleston to it, if you recall.
Wow, that was spectacular and lift-packed. Tripping the light fantastic, like it says on the tin.
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Lewis Cope and Katya Jones tag-team in, throwing shapes to Me Ol’ Bamboo from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
This was originally written as a morris dancing number, before morphing into a vaudeville turn with walking sticks. Dick Van Dyke said the movie sequence was the most difficult dancing he ever undertook. Lewis, as usual, makes it look easy.
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Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon take centre stage now, performing to With A Little Bit Of Luck from My Fair Lady. Not to be confused with 1999 UK garage hit A Little Bit of Luck by DJ Luck & MC Neat. Holler with the rinsin’ sound. No, this one’s the Cockney showtune sung by Eliza’s bin man dad, Alfred P Doolittle.
American smooth-meets-quickstep-meets Charleston vibes. Ironically, that wasn’t rubbish.
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We kick off with George Clarke and Alexis Warr, dancing to Consider Yourself from Oliver! – sung by the Artful Dodger when he first meets Oliver Twist. Chris Ramsey and Karen Hauer foxtrotted to it in the 2019 series. Charleston moves ahoy.
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Coer blimey, guv'nor, it's Dance Relay
Unusually for a live show - but it’s Musicals Week, so all bets are off - we open with a razzle-dazzle group routine. This five-minute spectacular will see each pair take to the floor as part of a high-energy celebration of musicals, dancing to songs from different shows. It won’t be marked by the judges but is an extra chance for them to earn viewer votes.
Cue clap-along credits
We’re 10 couples down and just five remain. It’ll be a slimline four by tomorrow. Who’s about to bow out, I beseech thee?
Aaaaand we’re off!
Roll pre-titles VT to ratchet up the drama. Has anyone mentioned that it’s Musicals Week yet? Oh.
Turn off your phones, open your “sharing” bag of sweets and give a hard stare to noisy seat neighbours. We’re about to be beamed live to the Elstree Studios ballroom…
Robin rockin’ our screens
Aardman Animations’ Robin Robin just wrapping up on BBC1. This charmingly festive, Oscar-nominated stop-motion short film first appeared on Netflix at Christmas 2021. It tells the story of a young robin who tries to prove her worth to her adoptive mice family by stealing a shiny star from a human’s house.
The voice cast includes Richard E Grant, Gillian Anderson and the reliably ace Adeel Akhtar. A mere five minutes to wait now…
Paddington makes his Strictly debut
The duffel-coated Peruvian bear will appear in the ballroom tonight during a special number from the new Paddington musical. Hey, maybe he’ll dance to Lady Marmalade.
Hold onto your large felt hats, it’s 10 minutes until the clock strikes sequins…
On your dance cards tonight
As well as the Dance Relay, this week’s five “proper” routines from our couples are heavy on the Latin and speciality dances, with a Charleston, an Argentine tango, a salsa and a samba. Only Balvinder Sopal is flying the flag for ye olde trad ballroom with her Viennese waltz.
Extra dancers are also back for the first time since Blackpool, lending that big production feel to the musicals-themed numbers. Fifteen minutes until that ba-ba-da theme tune…
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Let’s play Strictly bingo (Broadway edition)
Cross them off as you spot them on-screen! Take a drink for each! Get manhandled out of the theatre by usherettes for singing along too loudly! Threaten to sue and then fall over! Here’s your 10-point spotter’s guide for Musicals Week:
Training VT sees couple visit the West End cast of the musical they’re channelling for “tips”
Celebrity gushes unconvincingly about how much they love musical theatre
Overuse of the words “iconic” and “legendary”
Anton refers to his Musicals Week routines of yore, even though he only made it this far twice
Fickle Claudia transfers her affections from Dave Arch to Paddington
Craig modestly mentions his West End choreography credits
Anton ropes in a secretly delighted Shirley to demonstrate waltz frame or tango hold
Motsi says someone “brought their A-game” or “shut this ballroom down”
Someone gets compared to Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers/Gene Kelly/Bob Fosse
Shirley picks up a female celebrity on her footwork fundamentals but male celebs get away with it
A new bookies’ favourite for the glitterball
George Clarke has headed the betting for most of the series but in the wake of last week’s perfect 40, Karen Carney took over this week as the new glitterball favourite.
Unsurprisingly, poor Balvinder Sopal is odds-on to depart the dancefloor this weekend. Again. It’s 25 minutes until the spangly safety curtain comes up…
Sparkly batons at the ready for Dance Relay
Following the runaway success of last week’s enjoyably chaotic Instant Dance challenge, there’s another new innovation tonight. A special relay-style performance will see each couple take it in turns to hit the floor as part of a high-energy celebration of musicals.
It won’t be scored by the judges but is just an extra bid to win viewer votes. If Instant Dance chaos is anything to judge by, it should be interesting. Wonder what Nikita will wear this time? We’ll get our first clues in half an hour…
Who will make a show of themselves in Musicals Week?
It’s time for Strictly’s annual night out at the theatre. Good evening and welcome to week 11 of Strictly Come Dancing 2025. I’m Michael, your fellow thesp for tonight’s musicals-themed quarter-final. I’d love you to watch along with me as our couples perform routines inspired by West End and Broadway hits, hoping to make it through to the semi-final. They will also tackle Strictly’s first ever Dance Relay in their bid for viewer votes.
Last week saw two perfect 40s from Karen Carney and Amber Davies but these were thoroughly upstaged by the first ever Instant Dance challenge. Our couples raided the Elstree Studios clothes rails in a panic – cue Claudia Winkleman wearing a fruit hat, Nikita Kuzmin in the world’’s flounciest sleeves and George Clarke in a red fur pimp coat – before improvising mini-routines. Bonkers and brilliant. Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe were eliminated after defeat to dance-off destroyer Balvinder Sopal.
Now just five pro-celebrity pairings remain in the race to become the next glitterball champion. You know the deal by now. Tonight’s scores will be combined with the public vote and the bottom two will dance-off for survival on Sunday night. Balvinder is bookies’ hot tip for the chop yet again but she’s defied the odds five times already. Who would be foolish enough to write off this year’s great survivor?
It’s showtime at 6.50pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6.20pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and heckles from the stalls. So don your theatrical finery, pre-order your interval drinks and I’ll see you on the sofa.
As always, I’d love to hear from you too. You can tweet me @michaelhogan, contact me on Bluesky or Threads @michaelhogan100, email me michael.hogan.freelance@guardian.co.uk and the comments section below is for your first night reviews. I’ll pop a coin in my opera glasses occasionally to peer at you’re all saying.
It’s week 11 and we’re off to musicals heaven. Nearly time to staaaart all-singing and all-dancing!
