With Strictly Come Dancing heading to Blackpool next week, the nine remaining couples brought their A-game on Saturday (14 November) night – with one pair landing the highest score of the series.
Having narrowly survived last week’s dance-off, Cach Mercer threw himself into an energetic Charleston and topped the leaderboard with a near-perfect 39.
Delta Goodrem also impressed the judges as she took to the floor with Aljaž Škorjanec, who stepped in at the last minute after Kai Widdrington dropped out of the live show due to illness.
Meanwhile, it’s looking tight at the other end of the leaderboard, with Graeme Hall, Will Best and Lacey Turner all on 27 – and the latter’s pro partner, Vito Coppola, was forced to defend his Foxtrot choreography as the judges claimed he had broken the rules.
Tune in to the results show at 7.15pm on Sunday 15 November to see who makes it through to Blackpool.
Recap all the action from Strictly week eight below...
Strictly week 8
- Dani Dyer berated for 'illegal lifts'
- Cach Mercer lands highest score of the series
- Delta Goodrem performs with new partner
- Professional dancer hits back as judges claim dance broke rules
- Jaime Winstone makes phenomenal comeback
And the judge with the casting vote in the dance-off this week is... Craig!
I feel like it’s going to be an intense one so best of luck to him with having that responsibility. Eeek!
The results show airs on BBC One at 7.15pm tomorrow night.
19:58 , Rachel McGrathAnd the vote is open! It closes at 8.30pm so you don’t have long to back your faves.
19:57 , Rachel McGrathThat’s all of the dances done! We just have a quick recap to come and then the voting will be open.
Leaderboard wise, things are tight. There are three celebrities - Graeme, Lacey and Will - tied in last place on 27.
At the top, it’s Cach with a phenomenal 39!
19:56 , Rachel McGrathHave I mentioned that I love a Charleston? Considering they had to modify the steps due to Jaime’s injury, that was brilliant.
Here are the judges’ comments...
Craig: “I did love it, actually. The only thing I saw that was slightly off was your turns going upstage. Otherwise, it would have been almost perfect.”
Motsi: “I have so much respect. You are a courageous, strong woman and that was stunning.”
Shirley: “It was coordinated, it had some great dynamics. You threw caution to the wind, which I know Craig loves. The kinetic energy between the two of you was sensational.”
Anton: “I loved it. Great job, well done.”
And Jaime’s scores are in... 8, 8, 8 and 9 - a total of 33.
It’s time for our final dance! Jaime and Carlos are closing the show.
Jaime's had a tough series, hasn't she? After three dance-offs, she was unable to perform last week due to injury and it's fab to see her back.
Now, if there's a dance made for Jaime I think it could be the one she's performing tonight: a Charleston. And it's set to "I Can't Do It Alone" Chicago, a truly inspired choice.
19:48 , Rachel McGrathWill’s scores are in. He’s received a 6, 7, 7 and 7 - a total of 27.
19:47 , Rachel McGrathThe capeology! The drama! The eyeliner! Will brought a new energy there and I’m living for it.
Here are the judges’ comments...
Shirley: “It’s a marching dance and you did march. some good oval shapes. I loved your beginning with the cape. Generally, I think you’re one of our consistent dancers.”
Anton: “I quite enjoy a march. I would have liked a bit more shaping through the body. When you got rid of the cape, you lost the shaping. Concentrate on adding more layers to the dancing.”
Craig: “The shaping was a big problem actually. It lost its Spanish quality, it was a bit up and down and that’s why it looked plonky.”
Motsi: “We’ve had a few numbers where you are the happy guy, and that was a different dance that needed a different you. I just think if you comimt slightly more to the character, you’d have got it.”
19:41 , Rachel McGrathIt’s time for our second paso of the night!
It’s Will and Dianne’s turn to perform theirs to "Smalltown Boy" by Bronski Beat.
19:39 , Rachel McGrathLacey’s scores are in... 6, 7, 7 and 7 - a total of 27.
19:37 , Rachel McGrathDon’t they look amazing!
I loved that. But did the judges?
Anton: “That was a thing of beauty. I like the performance enormously. But that looked like an American Smooth to me. There was a lot gapping and your frame was breaking down a little too much.”
Craig: “It wasn’t a Foxtrot so I don’t know how we’re meant to judge it. You could have saved this for an American Smooth.”
Viot is defending himself! “It says 30% Foxtrot and there was,” he says.
Motsi: “In the start, I felt you hold back a little bit but I can feel you opening up. When it came to the Foxtrot, I saw you close a little bit.”
Shirley: “You are one of the most musical ladies we have in this competition. Everything you do, you do well. I like Vito that you said you take responsibility. This could have been a freestyle in the final, that’s how good it was.”
19:31 , Rachel McGrathUp next it’s Lacey and Vito! With a Foxtrot to "Have You Met Miss Jones?" By Robbie Williams.
This feels like a great pick for Lacey, who got to fulfil her dream of spending an afternoon in the Strictly props department this week! Dancing and woodwork? We love a woman who can do both.
19:29 , Rachel McGrathHere are Delta’s scores... 9, 9, 8 and 9 - a total of 35!
19:26 , Rachel McGrathThe judges are loving Delta...
Motsi: “I rate you so high for that Delta, well done. I would have loved the shoulders a little bit lower, but it’s a new man, we need to test him out. Well done.”
Shirley: “Aljaz, you are a hero. This was sensual, it had a beautiful feeling to it. It was a laser focus from you Delta, to Aljaz. There was an awful lot to like.”
Anton: “I liked an awful lot. It was tremendous. Your legs were sublime. Just gorgeous. Refined and beautiful to watch.”
Craig: “I thought that was very well-measured, every moment. You’ve got that loose leg that rebounds. That was really, really superb.”
19:22 , Rachel McGrathWell, they certainly look the part together! Go on Aljaz (and Delta).
19:19 , Rachel McGrath Delta is up next... but there's no Kai!
The Aussie star is performing an Argentine Tango to "Missing" by Everything But The Girl with Aljaž Škorjanec as Kai has been forced to miss tonight's show due to illness.
The duo have had just a few hours to practice together but if anyone can pull of a last-minute routine, it’s Aljaz. Fingers crossed it all goes well!
19:18 , Rachel McGrathHere are Cach’s scores...
He’s received a 9(!), 10(!), 10 and another 10 - a total of 39 and the highest score of the series!
19:15 , Rachel McGrathHere are the judges’ comments...
Craig: “Ah. May. Zing.”
Motsi: “I tried to control myself but it didn’t happen. You made us wait for that and last week was tight, but I am so glad this happened for you. For me, that was the dance of the season.”
Shirley: “I love when you see a comeback. You were fantastic.”
Anton: “There’s nothing like it. Everybody at home is going to be watching it and thinking ‘that was really good’. You are flying. That was sensational.”
19:13 , Rachel McGrathI really don’t want to see Cach leave the competition but I’m not sure what the judges will think of this one...
I thought there were a few mistakes in the second half - but Shirley and Motsi are on their feet!
19:09 , Rachel McGrath Cach is up next and it's time for (my fave) a Charleston! To “Blame It On The Boogie” by The Jacksons.
Cach came incredibly close to leaving the competition after ending up bottom of the leaderboard and in the dance-off last week.
Sunday night's results show saw the judging panel divided and it was Shirley's casting vote that secured the Love Islander's survival. He really needs to deliver tonight...
19:08 , Rachel McGrathTabby’s scores are in!
She’s got a 7, 8, 7 and another 8 - a total of 30.
19:05 , Rachel McGrathAw, that was beautiful. Lovely flow and I do feel like her frame has improved since her last ballroom routine.
Tabby feels like a real contender for the final, doesn’t she?
Here are the judges’ comments...
Anton: “You are beautifully elegant. Stunningly elegant. I love your open work, your free arm is exquisite. You have so much to offer, I really enjoy your dancing.”
Craig: “I thought the timing was great, it had a beautiful amount of flow. A really confident performance.”
Motsi: “The emotional part of the dance, you’ve improved so much. You need to concentrate on what’s going on downstairs so you guys move together. But you’re leaving a mark on Strictly and I love that for you both.”
Shirley: “The posture is definitely better. We had some incorrect footwork again, particularly in the pivot. But there was lots to like in this. I think you’re quite a force to be reckoned with.”
18:59 , Rachel McGrathTabby was right behind Dani on last week's leaderboard, after her Paso Doble to "Supermassive Black Hole".
And she's landed another great song this week: Avril Lavigne's "I'm With You" - which she's performing a Viennese Waltz to.
18:58 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges thought of John’s performance...
Motsi: “He’s going in the right direction, which I love. You’re exploring, I saw some body isolations, I saw you trying new things. But you were pumping it!”
Shirley: “I don’t think you realise how important the standing foot is, that action can take six months and you’ve learnt it in three days. Next up is the finish of the arms.”
Anton: “I enjoyed it. What I wanted from you was for the end to be as strong as the beginning but you died a bit. There was nothing to not like [...] but then I think if it’d gone on for another 30 seconds, you’d have come to a grinding halt.”
Craig: “I’m totally with Anton on that, you were flagging towards the end. But it had retracted, it had sharp kicks and flicks, you did a really, really good job.”
John’s scores are... 7, 8, 8 and 8 - a total of 31. That puts him top of the leaderboard so far!
18:52 , Rachel McGrathYouTuber John Nellis is up next - with a football-themed Jive set in a stadium!
It’s set to "Pump It" by Black Eyed Peas and while the visual effects are one of my biggest pet hates, I kind of like this opening...
18:48 , Rachel McGrath That solo at the end! Dani has come so far in the competition, hasn’t she? And she’s the loveliest person, what a babe.
Here are the judges’ comments...
Craig: “That could have been absolutely fantastic but it was littered with illegal lifts. We’ve let some go on the show but honestly, you’re taking the mick, darling. That being saif, I thought you did a fantastic job.”
Motsi: “There were some technical mistakes that we saw, I feel like you went in so it made everything a little bit small. But I absolutely love your journey, I love the way you give and put your heart in that. Keep that energy.”
Shirley: “I thought the choreography was very interesting. To be able to dance on the end and control that stillness... I thought it was fantastic. I saw some very, very good footwork. Be proud of yourself.”
Anton: “Super duper. You’re extraordinary, you’re intense, I love all of that. It’s strong and it’s powerful, you’re dancing on the edge. I love that.”
Dani’s scores are in... 6, 8, 8 and 8 - a total of 30.
18:42 , Rachel McGrathWell, she certainly brought the fire!
If I’m being super picky that felt a little soft in places but wow - the drama! Loved it.
18:39 , Rachel McGrath I am loving everything Dani Dyer does in the competition and I am so excited for this one.
Having topped the leaderboard last week, she's performing a Paso Doble to Lorde's version of "Everybody Wants To Rule the World", which is from a Hunger Games soundtrack.
After a timid start in the competition, Dani has proven she can really bring the heat too - so I'm expecting big things!
18:37 , Rachel McGrathGraeme’s scores are in!
He’s received a 6, 7, 7 and another 7 - a total of 27.
18:36 , Rachel McGrathOh, I love Graeme. And I really want to see him get through to Blackpool because I can’t even imagine how camp his routine would be. But there were some errors there...
Here’s what the judges made of his Quickstep...
Shirley: “When you started out, I was looking at the footwork, so beautiful. But it got a little tangled at the end. But if it goes on charisma, performance and hard work, you should be good.”
Anton: “You had a number of mistakes there, unfortunately. The top half was giving it plenty, the bottom had a mind of its own.”
Craig: “A crying shame, darling, you went completely wrong not once but twice. But looking at the Quickstep itself, I thought it was light and bright.”
Motsi: “It breaks my heart. I know the pressure is high. But since your last ballroom dance, I have seen a great deal of improvement.”
18:30 , Rachel McGrathOpening the show, it’s Graeme and Lauren... and it's Quickstep time for the Dogfather!
Graeme impressed straight of the blocks back in September but he has plateaued a little - and it's been three weeks since he scored his highest mark yet (31).
Can he beat it with a Quickstep to the Happy Days theme? Let's find out...
18:27 , Rachel McGrathI would wear all three of these outfits.
Here we go!
18:26 , Rachel McGrathWeek eight of Strictly 2026 is underway!
With just nine couples left in the competition, things are getting serious - and to add to the pressure, the show's annual jaunt to Blackpool is next week. Eeek!
Shirley Ballas becomes emotional as she speaks about her future on the show
18:15 , Lauren MorrisShirley Ballas revealed this week that she will be “loyal to the show till the day they kick me off it” ahead of her marking 10 years on the BBC show.
The head judge, who joined Strictly in 2017, became emotional as she opened up about her time on Strictly on It Takes Two – with host Ellie Taylor playing a montage of tributes to her.
Strictly’s Shirley Ballas addresses show future in emotional statement
Strictly's songs and dances for Week 8
17:30 , Lauren MorrisFrom Paso dobles to Charlestons, the remaining nine couples are tackling all kinds of dances tonight. Here’s a rundown of what to expect:
- Cach Mercer and Maddie Ingoldsby – Charleston to “Blame It on the Boogie” by The Jacksons
- Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin – Paso doble to “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Lorde
- Delta Goodrem and Aljaz Skorjanec – Argentine tango to “Missing” by Everything but the Girl
- Graeme Hall and Lauren Oakley – Quickstep to “Happy Days theme” by Pratt & McClain
- Jaime Winston and Carlos Gu – Charleston to “I Can’t Do It Alone” from Chicago
- John Nellis and Katya Jones – Jive to “Pump It” by Black Eyed Peas
- Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola – Foxtrot to “Have You Met Miss Jones” by Robbie Williams
- Tabby Stoecker and Mark Karmalita – Viennese waltz to “I’m with You” by Avril Lavigne
- Will Best and Dianne Buswell – Paso doble to “Smalltown Boy” by Bronski Beat
Craig Revel Horwood shares his verdict on new Strictly hosts
16:30 , Lauren MorrisStrictly Come Dancing’s longest-running judge has said that he’s “really loving” the new season of the BBC show – including its new hosts.
“I think they provide an extra oomph of energy. Josh is very funny, and Emma is the ultimate professional,” he said. “And it’s great that we’ve got JoJo upstairs, who can demonstrate a bit of dancing as well. He’s the first host we’ve ever had who’s an accomplished dancer.”
He added that “everyone knows what they’re doing” now and the dynamic has “developed really nicely”.
Strictly Come Dancing’s toughest judge delivers verdict on new hosts
What time does Strictly start tonight?
15:30 , Lauren MorrisStrictly Come Dancing will be kicking off at 6:25pm tonight on BBC One – with the remaining stars competing for a place in next weekend’s Blackpool spectacular.
Tonight’s show will end at 8pm, so time your bathroom breaks wisely!
Which couples are left in the competition?
14:30 , Lauren MorrisThere are just nine couples left in the competition after last weekend’s elimination. They are:
- Cach Mercer and Maddie Ingoldsby
- Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin
- Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington (replaced by Aljaz Skorjanec for tonight only)
- Graeme Hall and Lauren Oakley
- Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu
- John Nellis and Katya Jones
- Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola
- Tabby Stoecker and Mark Karmalita
- Will Best and Dianne Buswell
Kai Widdrington pulls out of live show
13:35 , Lauren MorrisDelta Goodrem’s professional dancer partner Kai Widdrington won’t be performing tonight after falling ill.
The news was announced during It Takes Two on Friday night, with host Ellie Taylor revealing that Aljaz Skorjanec will be stepping in to replace him at the last minute.
Goodrem is set to tackle an Argentine Tango tonight – let’s hope this sudden change doesn’t hurt her leaderboard chances...
Strictly Come Dancing star forced into late partner swap for this weekend’s show
