Halloween week arrived in the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom on Saturday (31 October) night, with the remaining 11 couples bringing their wickedest moves to the ballroom - and a terrifying twist looms in the results show.
First though, how did things go on the dancefloor? John Nellis and Katya Jones brought the fire with a passionate tango, earning the YouTuber his highest score yet. Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington also impressed with a Viennese waltz labelled “sensational” by the judges.
Lacey Turner and her pro partner Vito Coppola are top of the leaderboard though, after closing the show with a lift-packed Charleston. At the other end of the table, Tabby Stoecker and Mark Karmalita could be in trouble after scoring 25 for their Quickstep – and Graeme Hall and Lauren Oakley received the same mark for their samba.
This year, Halloween weekend has an ultra-fiendish twist as three couples will face the dance-off.
The Strictly Come Dancing results show airs on BBC One at 7.10pm on Sunday (1 November).
Key points
- Judges label Delta Goodrem 'sensational'
- Emotional Cach Mercer praises pro partner
- John Nellis steps it up a notch with passionate tango
- Panel speechless after Lacey Turner's lift-packed Charleston
- Who's top and bottom of the leaderboard?
- Sir Ian McKellen to make results show cameo
And the final order of business: it’s Motsi who will have the casting vote after tomorrow’s three-way dance-off.
Tune in to the results show tomorrow at 7.10pm to find out who leaves the competition.
20:26 , Rachel McGrathWhat a show, eh?
Things are tight on the leaderboard. Lacey and Vito are at the top with 36. At the other end, Tabby and Mark have 25, as do Graeme and Lauren.
As mentioned before, there’s a terrifying twist this week as three couples will take part in the dance-off.
20:23 , Rachel McGrathLacey’s scores are in.
She’s received a 9, 9, 9 and another 9 - a total of 36! What a way to close the show.
20:21 , Rachel McGrathLoved that. Those lifts! I screamed.
Here’s what the judges thought...
Craig: “Lacey, that was good.”
Motsi: “Wow. Best dance of the night. Congratulations.”
Shirley: “You shocked me, you had me on the front of my seat. Well done.”
Anton: “Clean, clear, timing was amazing. I thought that was great. Well done you.”
20:15 , Rachel McGrathClosing the show, it’s Lacey and Vito. And it’s Charleston time!
We're at the point in the competition where the celebs can pull off impressive Charlestons, so I'm really excited for this. And the fact they’re going last suggests it could be really special...
The EastEnders star and Vito are performing it to Cheryl Cole's "Crazy Stupid Love".
20:14 , Rachel McGrathThe audience are on their feet and I’m not surprised!
Here’s what the judges have said to Dani...
Motsi: “Wow, guys. Just wow. That was your best dance. I couldn’t look away. You were so strong.”
There’s been some discussion about a mistake too - and it was Nikita who slipped!
Shirley: “Dani, that was a huge improvement. I saw you see him slip and you went, ‘I’m going to make that ending, get up here’. I love an independent woman.”
Anton: “Your best dance yet. All in all, footwork was good, frame was good, flair was lovely. Great performance.”
Craig: “I can’t add much to that apart from ‘brilliant’.”
And the scores are... 8, 8, 8 and 8 - a total of 32.
20:10 , Rachel McGrathDani’s VT was very cute. Her kids are so sweet!
Anyway, the dancing. Loved it. The atmosphere and characterisation! Dani’s A* in GCSE Drama really did pull through. Wow, wow, wow!
20:06 , Rachel McGrath There are just two performances to go!
It's Viennese Waltz time for Dani! It'll be set to "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music.
I've loved seeing Dani's fierce side (her lift-packed salsa last week was fab) but I feel like this is the sort of routine she'll feel a lot more comfortable with.
20:05 , Rachel McGrathLawrence’s marks are in.
He’s received a 6, 7, 6 and another 7 - a total of 26.
20:03 , Rachel McGrathHere are the judges’ comments for Lawrence...
Anton: “I enjoyed that performance. This is an improvement from your Waltz. So well done.”
Craig: “I thought the frame was a little bit too open and you had some misplaced footwork. It was sharp, staccato and very entertaining.”
Motsi: “When you start to dance, I’m really into it. Then somewhere it just goes a bit blank. You have gained control, you can lead now, so I need the best effort from the beginning to the end.”
Shirley: “You are improving. Keep working on that frame. Details and footwork are important. Keep working because you are shining.”
20:01 , Rachel McGrathI can’t lie, I prefer a sexy tango but that was imaginative!
19:58 , Rachel McGrath A fair few celebs had an absolute shocker last week and Lawrence was one of them (harsh, I know, but it’s true!).
The Emmerdale star ended up bottom of the leaderboard after his Jive scored just 19.
Thankfully for him, the viewers were on his side and he managed to gather up enough votes to avoid the dance-off. Tonight he has one of the most Halloween-y performances possible: a Tango to "Ghostbusters".
19:56 , Rachel McGrathWill’s scores are in... 8, 8, 8 and another 8 - that’s a total of 32!
19:55 , Rachel McGrathThat was also very fun! Though it did seem like Will was looking to Dianne for direction a lot?
She was reassuring him at the end there too, saying, “don’t worry, you did so good”.
Here are the judges’ comments...
Motsi: “I think he’s still one to watch and I do love the entertainment. Just make sure you highlight things with different timing. You are doing everything right, keep going.”
Shirley: “Your performance in that was really very good. That was the strangest, scariest routine I’ve seen in a long time.”
Anton: “It was a great performance. I’d like you to move forward with more clarity of the motion and movements you do.”
Craig: “I loved it, I loved the theatre of it. I thought it was interesting and you danced it particularly well.”
And here he is... puppet Will!
19:47 , Rachel McGrath It's Couple's Choice time for Will and Dianne!
In a nod to the presenter's best-known gig, they're performing to Big Brovaz' "Nu Flow" - which suggests it'll be a fun routine, rather than one that leaves us all in tears.
And they’re going to be puppets! Very intriguing...
19:46 , Rachel McGrathThat was a lot of fun! Incredibly camp, which is exactly what Strictly Halloween Week should be.
Here’s the judges’ feedback...
Shirley: “Anything with any kind of trick you execute extremely well. But I found it totally in front of the music. It borders on out of time. Musicality is key.”
Anton: “I don’t fully agree [with Shirley]. The power. Nobody is ever going to say to you, ‘you didn’t try hard enough’.”
Craig: “I think Shirley and Anton are both right. You do dance a little bit ahead of the beat which I don’t mind in this particular dance. The lifts were extraordinary.”
Motsi: “I thought it was entertaining. I loved the choreography. I’m still going to sit on that point of breathing. I found it a little bit too hectic. But you have a strength and aura, nobody can take that away from you.”
Jaime’s scores are in... 7, 7, 5 (ouch!) ands 8 - that’s a total of 27.
19:39 , Rachel McGrathJaime's up next with a Salsa to "Filthy/Gorgeous" by Scissor Sisters.
Jaime is another star who had a wobble last week and she ended up in the dance-off for a second time. The first time it happened, Jaime came back fighting so here's hoping she can do that again.
19:37 , Rachel McGrathOoo a midway leaderboard! Right at the top, it’s John and Katya on 35.
At the other end, Grame and Tabby are tied in last place (for now) on 25.
19:36 , Rachel McGrathAww Cach is emosh chatting to Jojo! I said he needed a wow moment, and he’s certainly pulled it off.
“Dancing with her is really special,” he says of Maddie. “She’s very sweet and it was a very nice dance.”
“I’m so proud,” his partner says. “We’ve had a rollercoaster week but it’s been my favourite. Very proud of him.”
The scores are in... 7, 9, 8 and 9 - a total of 33.
19:34 , Rachel McGrathCach said in his VT that he wanted to prove he could act and he’s certainly done it.
The atmosphere there was insane. Loved it.
What did the judges think?
Craig: “I feel like you need to caress the floor a little bit more. And you could also calm your upper body in this style. I’m being really picky because you are brilliant.”
Motsi: “I love to see you in this type of dancing. I love the control you have. I love the chemistry. I love watching you guys dancing with intention.”
Shirley: “Last week I gave you a five and this week, this is so much better for me. Cach, you were so invested in this dance. The chemistry... You were so tuned in. I’m very very pleased with you this week.”
Anton: “I enjoyed that enormously. You’re very talented [...] but you have to invest in the dance you’re doing, which you did tonight 100%.”
19:26 , Rachel McGrath Cach and Maddie are up next with an Argentine Tango to "Pas De Deux" by Michael Abels. Cach is another of the stars who struggled last week, scoring 24 for his Cha Cha.
I feel like we've seen glimmers of how good he can be, but the Love Islander hasn't had a proper 'wow' moment yet. Could this be it? I hope so...
19:25 , Rachel McGrathBethany’s scores are in!
She’s received a 7, 8, 7 and another 8 - a total of 30.
19:23 , Rachel McGrathThat was fun! Although they seemed to make a mistake near the end...
Here are the judges’ comments for Bethany...
Shirley: “That was an atmospheric narrative, I loved that. The action of the jive, much better than last week. Synchronisation was great. This was a very good jive.
Anton: “I enjoyed it as well. You never undersell anything. The first half of the dance was stronger than the second half. Your leg speed is the thing to work on.”
Craig: “There is a slight lethargy in your legs and body. You can overcome that by dancing slightly ahead of the beat. But I thought your kicks and flicks were fantastic.”
Motsi: “This was one of your best dances. You have improved and you are both very much in sync.”
19:17 , Rachel McGrath Bethany and Nancy are up next - with a Jive to "I'm in Love with a Monster" by Fifth Harmony, which will be set in a haunted hotel.
Although their Argentine Tango didn't really impress the judges last week, I really love these two!
19:16 , Rachel McGrathA very sweaty John’s scores are in!
He’s received an 8, 9, 9 and another 9 - that’s a total of 35! His highest yet.
19:14 , Rachel McGrathThe drama! Those tricks! Loved that. Katya’s choreography is always brilliant but that was next level.
Here’s what the judges thought of it...
Craig: “I would have liked to have seen a stronger heel lead. But power, passion... you nailed that.”
Motsi: “I enjoy the way you dance, I love the way she has taught you to lead. I love the footwork. Great tango guys, well done.”
Shirley: “In all the time that I’ve been judging this, I have never seen slows danced the way you danced them today. When I see that kind of footwork... It made my night.”
Anton: “Your arm [that Anton disliked last week], it is so much better. It is marvellous. It is perfect.”
I reckon John’s in for some big scores!
19:09 , Rachel McGrathJohn and Katya are up next - and they're performing to a Slayyyter track!
After pulling off a pretty convincing Quickstep last week, John is doing a vampire-themed Tango to "Dance...".
He and Katya look absolutely sensational (If I was Katya, I’d be asking to keep that outfit).
19:06 , Rachel McGrath Tabby’s scores are in...
She’s received a 6, 7, 5(!) and a 7 - that’s a total of 25.
19:04 , Rachel McGrathI know it’s a Quickstep but that was quick. Tabby’s stamina is phenomenal.
Here are the judges’ comments...
Motsi: “What I loved is that you have an extension [on your neck] that you can keep throughout the dance. But there were tiny mistakes that kept on popping in. I want you to feel more confident in your ballroom.”
Shirley: “It was certainly bright but I don’t agree with Motsi at all [on] the postural element. Because everything was so close at the top, the legs were too close. It wasn’t your best, for me.”
Anton: “I would have liked you to have more space to dance, you just got a bit too close. Your power is extraordinary. It’s very simple for you: give yourself some space to work in.”
Craig: “I do agree with Anton. There was a mistake and a bit of gapping. But you did a really tricky Charleston sort of section. It was after that moment, you didn’t pick up your frame again.”
18:59 , Rachel McGrathI am so excited for this one.
After topping the leaderboard last week with her phenomenal Couple's Choice, Tabby is performing a Quickstep to Little Mix's "Black Magic".
18:56 , Rachel McGrath The audience are on their feet!
Here’s what the judges have said to Delta...
Anton: “It was incredible. I loved that dance. That was sensational. Your fleckle... it was sublime. There are two things I’ve got a problem with: You’ve got toes everywhere. Also, I preferred me and Craig on the spinning wheel.”
Craig: “I loved it. It was smooth, you maintained your frame and it was so detailed. Absolutely gorgeous.”
Motsi: “I agree with Craig, I loved the fluidity, I loved the way you move. The only thing I would love for you to work on is when you have a posture, keep your spine continually working and stretching.”
Shirley: “There is a lot you did that I like. There was an awful lot of toework there so it didn’t fly as flat as I would like.”
And Delta’s scores are... 8, 8, 8 and 9 - that’s a total of 33 and she’s straight to the top of the leaderboard!
18:49 , Rachel McGrathHOW does Delta look so good in this Morticia wig?!
18:47 , Rachel McGrath Comeback queen Delta is up next - performing one of tonight's two Viennese Waltzes.
Hers will be to The Righteous Brothers' "Unchained Melody".
I feel like Delta will make light work of this. She's just phenomenal, isn't she? And she’s coming into Halloween Week off the back of receiving a 10 last Saturday!
18:45 , Rachel McGrathGraeme’s scores are in!
He’s received a 6, 7, 5 (ouch!) and a 7 - a total of 25.
18:44 , Rachel McGrathOk, that wasn’t as wild as I thought it would be!
An aside: How amazing do they look?!
Here are the judges’ comments...
Shirley: “You’re very brave to open the show with a zombie samba. For me, I would like no double stuttering on the feet and more flexibility.”
Anton: “I didn’t think that was a bad effort. It’s a tricky dance and I thought you did reasonably well for the most part.”
Craig: “I would have liked to have seen more fluidity in the bounce. The footwork was a little bit sticky at times. But every time we watch you, you come out here and you go for it.”
Motsi: “I loved the fact you are leading and you’re really trying to help your partner. Thank you for opening the show, it was fun to watch. Keep working.”
Opening the show, it’s Graeme - with a samba!
While he's stronger on the ballroom styles, the Dogfather sure does throw himself in wholeheartedly for the Latin numbers, so this should be good...
18:35 , Rachel McGrathThe judges are all looking brilliant too (Craig’s costume is my fave).
18:33 , Rachel McGrath Here are our hosts - and don’t they look fabulous?!
Here we go!
18:30 , Rachel McGrathIt's time for the second-biggest themed show on the Strictly calendar... Halloween Week! And to up the scare factor, three celebrities will be in the results show dance-off.
A fair few celebs struggled last week, so I reckon there’ll be a lot of nerves about the dance-off situation. Here’s hoping their performances don’t give the judges a fright...
Sir Ian McKellen to make surprise cameo for Strictly's Halloween week
17:52 , Roisin O'ConnorSir Ian McKellen is set to make a surprise cameo appearance during the Halloween special of Strictly Come Dancing.
The 87-year-old’s voice will feature in the BBC programme’s group performance on Sunday’s results show.
Accompanied by Tame Impala’s track “Dracula”, the routine culminates with the actor reading an extract from Bram Stoker’s horror novel.
Sir Ian McKellen to make surprise cameo for Strictly's Halloween week
Strictly Come Dancing judge’s guest appearance on Dancing With the Stars leaves fans divided
17:20 , Roisin O'ConnorShirley Ballas, the mother of ‘DWTS’ pro dancer Mark Ballas, raised eyebrows with her low scoring of one couple.
Strictly Come Dancing judge’s guest appearance on DWTS leaves fans divided
VIDEO: Delta Goodrem returns to Strictly after rib injury with 'favourite dance of the series'
16:53 , Roisin O'ConnorRecap: Mel C's performance on Strictly last week
16:11 , Roisin O'ConnorLast week’s episode also featured Spice Girls star Melanie C joining the Strictly professional dancers for a fitness-inspired group dance to her single “Sweat”.
Strictly star defends BBC for blurring out t-shirt with pro-trans slogan
15:44 , Roisin O'ConnorStrictly Come Dancing star Bethany Antonia has addressed a controversy caused by the BBC, which blurred out her t-shirt featuring a pro-trans slogan.
Earlier this month, during a VT showing the House of the Dragon actor in rehearsals, Antonia was seen wearing a shirt bearing the words “Protect the dolls”, a phrase referencing the need to protect trans women.
The BBC told The Independent that the decision to blur the words was an “appropriate step to reduce the inclusion of any overt branding or slogans that may be present, regardless of the wording or statement in question”. A spokesperson called it “standard practice on any entertainment show”.
Strictly star defends BBC for blurring out pro-trans t-shirt
VIDEO: Shaun Wright-Phillips becomes fourth celeb to leave Strictly Come Dancing
15:02 , Roisin O'ConnorDelta Goodrem is back after her rib injury and Tabby Stoecker is top of the leaderboard
14:44 , Roisin O'ConnorElsewhere in last week’s live show, Australian pop Delta Goodrem returned after her rib injury to score the first 10 of the series.
Her rumba to Celine Dion's “It's All Coming Back To Me Now” with professional partner Kai Widdrington scored 34.
Winter Olympic champion Tabby Stoecker topped the leaderboard on Saturday, following Goodrem by scoring two 10s for her couple's choice dance to “Stupid Song” by Olivia Rodrigo.
Her total of 37 was the highest of the series so far.
Her performance with professional partner Mark Karmalita was dedicated to her late father, and she appeared emotional after the dance.
Judge Shirley Ballas praised her as a “beautiful dancer” and called the performance “absolutely exquisite”.
Strictly Come Dancing announces surprise format change as fourth couple exits
14:07 , Roisin O'ConnorLast Sunday's results show brought a surprise announcement: Strictly's first triple dance-off, which will take place during next week's Halloween episode.
The three couples with the lowest combined judges' scores and public votes will dance again next week, before the judges eliminate one pair.
Strictly will return to a two-couple dance-off for the rest of the series.
