Another Saturday meant another brand new episode of Strictly Come Dancing, with more show-stopping routines, more sequins and more fake tans – we wouldn’t have it any other way.
With no theme, week three delivered a truly eclectic collection of dances, including a Charleston to Gina G (yes, really) and a quickstep to “I’m a Believer”. And there was a huge range when it came to the scoring too, with 18 points between the best- and worst-performing celebrities.
At the top of the leaderboard, Delta Goodrem scored 33 for her Disco-themed Salsa, which landed the first nine of the series from Motsi Mabuse.
Cach Mercer also impressed with his ambitious Couple’s Choice set to Raye’s “Beware… The South London Lover Boy” before Tabby Stoecker closed the show with a sensual Argentine Tango that left Craig Revel Horwood almost speechless.
At the other end of the leaderboard, and possibly in trouble in tonight’s results show, were Melanie Walters – who struggled to master the Charleston – and Shaun Wright-Phillips, whose quickstep didn’t include many quick steps. So who will be facing off in the dance off tonight?
Follow all the latest updates below...
Read MoreStrictly star hits out at ‘disgusting’ comments to new hosts Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe
Strictly star opens up about ‘horrific’ results show experience after dance off
Strictly host reveals hospital dash hours before live show
Strictly viewers approve of Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe pairing after results show shakeup
Key Points
- A reminder of all the Strictly 2026 stars – and their professional partners
- Josh Widdicombe: a problem Strictly needs to solve?
- Love Islander goes top of leaderboard with Couple's Choice
- Jaime Winstone moved to tears by message from dad Ray
- Delta Goodrem lands first 9 of the series with phenomenal salsa
Who's at the top of the scoreboard?
08:19 , Katie RosseinskyGood morning, have we all recovered from last night’s Strictly festivities? Here’s a quick reminder of who’s at the top of the leaderboard following the judges’ scores – and who’s languishing at the bottom – ahead of tonight’s results show...
Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington – 33
Tabby Stoecker and Mark Karmalita – 31
Cach Mercer and Maddie Ingoldsby – 31
Jamie Winstone and Carlos Gu - 28
Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu – 27
Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin - 27
Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola – 26
Graeme Hall and Lauren Oakley – 25
Will Best and Diane Buswell – 25
John Nellis and Katya Jones – 20
Lawrence Robb and Jowita Przystal – 20
Dame Sarah Storey and Julian Caillon – 20
Melanie Walters and Aljaz Skorjanec – 17
Shaun Wright-Phillips and Alexis Warr – 15
That's a wrap!
Saturday 10 October 2026 20:36 , Rachel McGrathOne more order of business: it’s Anton who will have the casting vote in tomorrow’s results show.
But who will be in the dance-off? You can get your votes in now on the BBC website to help decide.
I’ll be back next week for another action-packed live show!
Tabby's scores are in...
Saturday 10 October 2026 20:30 , Rachel McGrathAnd they’re good!
Tabby has received an 8, 8, 7 and an 8 - for a total of 31.
Saturday 10 October 2026 20:28 , Rachel McGrathOk, I can see why that routine was chosen to close the show. Wow.
Here’s what the judges have made of it...
Craig: “Love, love, love.”
Motsi: “I loved it, I had goosebumps. You are the dark horse here. You are great.”
Shirley: “It was extremely steamy and very sensual. This is on a very good track.”
Anton: “To coin a phrase from an old friend of mine... ‘love, love, love’.”
Saturday 10 October 2026 20:26 , Rachel McGrathClosing the show, it’s Tabby and Mark... and it's Argentine Tango time!
Tabby and newbie pro Mark are dancing to Ariana Grande's "hate that I made you love me". And they are bringing the fire...
Saturday 10 October 2026 20:22 , Rachel McGrath Bethany’s scores are in...
It’s 6, 7, 7 and 7 - a very respectable total of 27.
Aw, that was lovely! Very summery, which I appreciate in this weather.
The judges are now giving their verdicts...
Anton: “I enjoyed it enormously. You’ve got a wonderful frame and a perfect head position. Moving forward, I would just like a bit more musicality.”
Craig: “The transitions were a little bit messy. I thought you could cover the floor more. But I really loved it.”
Motsi: “I wanted more and you got that really well done. You guys are so clean, I love that. Everything gets lighter when you dance. Very nice.”
Shirley: “Musicality, I enjoyed. All in all, for week three, I thought this was extremely impressive and you should both be proud of yourselves.”
Saturday 10 October 2026 20:17 , Rachel McGrathTwo couples to go!
It's Bethany and Nancy up now, with an American Smooth to "Love Song" by Sara Bareilles. I love seeing how the same-sex couples approach the routines that are mainly danced in hold. They get to have so much more fun with it!
John's scores are in...
Saturday 10 October 2026 20:15 , Rachel McGrathIt’s a 4 (ouch!), 5, 5 and a 6 - a total of 20.
Saturday 10 October 2026 20:13 , Rachel McGrathHere’s the judges’ feedback for John...
Shirley: “What I found is the coordination now starts to get better. You’ve got some good leading skills going on there. I was pleasantly surprised by your first Latin number.”
Anton: “I liked it a lot. It felt like it’s almost there. If you had another week on this, it would have been a great dance. I think you’ll become really good at this because there’s a lot to like.”
Craig: “I thought too cool, too laidback, not much was happening. It was a bit dull for my liking.
Motsi: “I think the vibe was cool… I think you brought the vibe, I also felt like you were very vulnerable. I would like you to work on Cuban motion and how you move across.”
Saturday 10 October 2026 20:09 , Rachel McGrathCha Cha-ing into week three, it's John and Katya.
I loved their Titanic-themed Movie Week performance, though the judges weren't so keen with Craig giving them just four points and the whole panel awarding a total score of 23.
This week they're dancing to Justin Timberlake's "Rock Your Body".
Graeme's scores are in...
Saturday 10 October 2026 20:06 , Rachel McGrathAww, he’s got a little bit emotional chatting to Johannes! It seems he’s had a tough week getting to grips with the routine.
Here are the scores... 6, 6, 6 and 7 - a total of 25.
Saturday 10 October 2026 20:03 , Rachel McGrathThat was lovely! Graeme is so light on his feet and a joy to watch.
Here’s what the judges made of it...
Anton: “I like your dancing a lot, it’s really clean, it’s well-timed. But I don’t want this to be it from you, I don’t want this to be as good as it gets. This was a little bit... quaint, really. I think it’s okay in this dance but I need a bit more going forward.”
Craig: “It’s not a jive as we know it, it’s more of a swing jive. Which I actually rather liked. I felt like I was watching dear Len Goodman. It brought back some memories.”
Motsi: “I think there’s something really honest about the way you dance. Last week, I felt you were on top of things. This week, you were concentrating on very complicated steps. Keep your charm, but we need to know see who is going to push the button and get up there.”
Shirley: “Lauren, you took this young man and you didn’t stop. For that I applaud you. The choreography was a good balance. For me, you did a good balance. Moving forward, keep pushing him.”
Saturday 10 October 2026 19:56 , Rachel McGrathGraeme 'The Dogfather' Hall is up now (yes, I will be calling him The Dogfather every week).
I am ready to admit I was wrong on Graeme too, by the way. Before the competition, I had him down as someone surely heading for an early exit. But so far, he's impressed!
He scored the highest mark last week with 31 and ended up second on the combined leaderboard. Tonight, he and Lauren are performing a Jive to "Reet Petite" by Jackie Wilson.
Dani's scores are in...
Saturday 10 October 2026 19:55 , Rachel McGrathShe’s received a 7, 7, 6 and another 7! That’s a total of 27.
Saturday 10 October 2026 19:54 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges have said to Dani...
Motsi: “I’m proud that you pushed the boundary! I love the attention, I liked the focus you had. I feel like something is building. She is getting there. The fire has been switched on.”
Shirley: “I really enjoyed the pivots, the frame is getting better. Keep working on the details. As you learn the choreography, try to build it so you’re multitasking.”
Anton: “You’re a very nice dancer and you’ve reached a really good standard. I don’t want this to be the peak, though. I think you need a more positive stride.”
Craig: “I actually loved the Argentine opening and finish. I thought the frame was a little bit loose. I would like to see a bit more of an open Y position. But that was a very strong and dramatic performance.”
Saturday 10 October 2026 19:50 , Rachel McGrathDani and Nikita are up next - and it's Tango time!
They scored 23 for their Beauty and the Beast Foxtrot last week, which is okay for week two but leaves a nice amount of room for improvement.
This Tango is set to "Show Me Love" by Robin S and they are certainly bringing the drama!
Dani struggled in training this week but I think they pulled that off well.
Saturday 10 October 2026 19:46 , Rachel McGrath Rob’s scores are in! It’s 5, 5, 4 and 6 - a total of 20.
Saturday 10 October 2026 19:43 , Rachel McGrathHere are the judges’ comments..
Shirley: “It wasn’t my cup of tea. I’m not a big fan of when it’s all about the lady. You did one basic and that was flat-footed. I like more steps for the man.”
Anton: “I get that... but I don’t fully agree because I like that style of Rumba. I want you to create in the dance, the same natural-ness as you do in the storytelling. But I didn’t mind it.”
Craig: “Oh Shirley, you’re such a fun sponge. Lawrence, you got away with that because of great storytelling, darling. I’m behind you. I really think you can do this and I think you’re very talented.”
Motsi: “I feel like the child who has to help parents through divorce. The Cuban motion, I think that was missing. You had beautiful lines, we can see a potential in the way you move. But the base of the dance has to happen.”
Saturday 10 October 2026 19:37 , Rachel McGrathWith the tough job of following Delta, it’s Lawrence. And he’s performing the first Rumba of the series!
It’s another great song choice too. This is set to Sombr's "back to friends". Jowita is one of my fave pros, I love seeing the choreography she pulls out of the bag and feel like this could be a good one...
Delta Goodrem stuns the judges with disco-themed Samba
Saturday 10 October 2026 19:35 , Rachel McGrathOk, that was phenomenal. The outfits! The speed! Those lifts! Wow, wow, wow.
Here’s what the judges have to say...
Motsi: “She brought the D.I.S.C.O. I absolutely loved that. Everything you bring on the dancefloor, it looks so easy. You have been giving from week one... This was the highlight of the night. You did an amazing job.”
Shirley: “Kai, you have to really be on your toes when she comes out. For me, that was absolutely great. Keep it up. I think you’re gunna go all the way.”
Anton: “There’s not a lot to add. One small criticism, when you’re doing continuous spins, work on your spotting. But you’re setting a very, very high bar.”
Craig: “Ah. May. Zing.”
And her scores are... 8, 9(!), 8 and 8 - a total of 33. That’s the first nine of the series!
Saturday 10 October 2026 19:28 , Rachel McGrathNext up it's Delta and Kai! Unsurprisingly, the Aussie singer was a favourite coming into the competition and she's started strong - topping the combined week one and two leaderboard with an impressive 59.
Tonight they're dancing a Salsa to a medley of "Always There" by Jocelyn Brown and "Ain’t Nobody" by Chaka Khan.
Watch: Jaime Winstone moved to tears by message from her dad
Saturday 10 October 2026 19:27 , Rachel McGrathHere’s one of the loveliest moments of tonight’s show so far. After a tough week, Jaime - who ended up in the dance-off last Sunday - received a lovely message from her actor dad, Ray...
Sarah's scores are in...
Saturday 10 October 2026 19:26 , Rachel McGrathIt’s a 4 (ouch!!), 5, 5 and a 6 - that’s a total of 20.
Saturday 10 October 2026 19:24 , Rachel McGrathHere are the judges’ comments for Sarah...
Anton: “I wanted drama, power, and I got that from you. I got clean choreography. But moving forward, I now need you to put some shape in there. I need the dancey bit. And also, please stop counting. Try and do that in your head.”
Craig: “I thought it was a little bit stiff. For me, it lacked power and confidence. Your arms are thrown away, they need to have a complete purpose. But you know what, you came in and you attacked it and you drove it.”
Motsi: “I’m gunna tell you the opposite of what the boys said. If you’re not sure of musicality, then count. If you feel secure, do that. I do feel there was attack in the dance. You’re a different woman [to three weeks ago]. I see fire in your eyes and passion.”
Shirley: “I love the work ethic. I don’t agree with Craig. I loved the dramatics. That’s the hardest part. Keep working on the details and shape.”
Saturday 10 October 2026 19:20 , Rachel McGrathOh I liked that! Plenty of drama and Sarah has perfected her Paso face.
Also... quite a nice touch for Julian’s shirt to be completely open. Give the wardrobe department a raise.
Saturday 10 October 2026 19:16 , Rachel McGrath Dame Sarah Storey and Julian are next! With a Paso Doble (my fave) to "California Dreamin'" by Sia.
Unfortunately, they were also left lingering near the bottom of the week one and two combined leaderboard, largely due to getting a 15 for the first dance. They managed to improve to a 23 in week two though, which is a promising sign!
Saturday 10 October 2026 19:15 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges made of Melanie’s Charleston...
Craig: “I do love a Charleston but I didn’t love that one. Your feet were constantly apart. It wasn’t your thing.”
Motsi: “In your own race, I do feel you’re improving and you’re winning. It was clean, I could count it. I would love a little bit more from the body, of pump and bounce. Keep going.”
Shirley: “I liked the characterisation of it and the choreography suited your body really well. I’d like you to challenge yourself a bit more.”
Anton: “I like the way you dance and tell the story, I think you’re a great character actress and dancer. I can read everything you do and I think you do it really well.”
And her scores are in: 3 (ouch!), 5, 4 and 5 - a total of 17. Melanie’s highest yet!
Saturday 10 October 2026 19:10 , Rachel McGrathThis Blind Date-style opening felt like classic time-wasting but I kind of loved it?
Saturday 10 October 2026 19:09 , Rachel McGrath Melanie and Ajlaz are up next with a Charleston to "Ooh Ahh... Just A Little Bit" by Gina G.
The Gavin and Stacey star breathed a sigh of relief in last week's results show after escaping the dance-off, despite having been bottom of the leaderboard.
I hope she really, really goes for it tonight!
Jaime's scores are in...
Saturday 10 October 2026 19:07 , Rachel McGrathShe’s received a 7 (not bad!), 7, 7 and yup, another 7 - giving her a total of 28.
Saturday 10 October 2026 19:04 , Rachel McGrathI think this is lovely! Though I do fear some comments about frame could be coming.
Here’s what the judges have to say...
Shirley: “This week I could see good pivoting, spatial awareness. There was a hiccup or two but overall, this is an improvement and going in the right direction.”
Anton: “You dance right on the edge. I can see what Shirley was referring to but you got away with it. Your fleckle was an absolute delight. I want more of this please.”
Craig: “I felt like there was too much rise and fall. This should be smoother. But all that being said, your timing was fantastic. Your spins are incredible, darling.”
Motsi: “I do feel you are one of our strongest dancers... I think you need to breathe into the floor. Sometimes you stay up and you become jittery. If you are grounded, you are strong.”
Saturday 10 October 2026 19:00 , Rachel McGrathThis is my second favourite of tonight's picks. Jaime and Carlos are dancing a Viennese Waltz to "Never Tear Us Apart" by INXS. I am so here for it.
Poor Jaime ended up in the dance-off last week - and was, understandably, visibly gutted. She really didn't deserve to be there... hopefully viewers will back here a little more after tonight.
Saturday 10 October 2026 18:57 , Rachel McGrath Aww, Cach is emotional speaking to Johannes.
“I dance on the street my whole life,” he says. “To get here, it means a lot. I didn’t think I’d ever be here.”
Maddie is tearing up too. “I couldn’t have done it without him, he really inspires me.”
And the scores are in...
They’ve received a 7, 8, 8 and an 8 - a total of 31, putting them top of the leaderboard!
Saturday 10 October 2026 18:55 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges made of Cach’s Couple’s Choice...
Craig: “For me, it was a little bit stop-and-start, and by that I mean, it’s about connecting each thought together. For me, that didn’t happen a lot. But I’ve got to say, your timing is incredible.”
Motsi: “I saw so many different types of dancing, so much detail, I love that. It’s like you can hold music in your body, that is great. There was a little bit of a hiccup there. So next time I just need it more polished.”
Shirley: “I’m exhausted watching that but Maddie, how fantastic. That’s way out of your comfort zone and you look amazing. I thought it was on time, I thought you were right you needed to be. You both did amazing.”
Anton: “I liked it a lot. I like what you do because I like you as a dancer. Dance is about personality and you dance with personality every time you dance.”
Saturday 10 October 2026 18:51 , Rachel McGrathOh I love this! It’s fast, it’s fun, it’s got loads of character. Bravo Cach.
Saturday 10 October 2026 18:47 , Rachel McGrath I'm so excited for this one. Cach and Maddie are performing their Couple's Choice to Raye's "Beware.. The South London Lover Boy" which feels very promising.
I do like that we get Couple's Choice routines nice and early in the competition, though sometimes it does feel a little wasted because the celebs haven't developed the skills yet. That said, Cach has already been impressive so let's see what he delivers.
Shaun's scores are in...
Saturday 10 October 2026 18:46 , Rachel McGrathHe’s received a 3 (ouch!), 4, 3 and a 5 - a total of 15.
Saturday 10 October 2026 18:45 , Rachel McGrathThat got off to a slow start but did get better! And he was beaming the whole way through, which made it a joy.
Here are the judges’ comments...
Motsi: “It always pays off to work hard. This is a new type of dancing for you and you need new skills. It’s tough. What I did see is that you could keep your music and your rhythm.”
Shirley: “I adore you because you’re so entertaining but for me, there was a lack of Quickstep there. It was not connected in hold. There were shuffles where you got on the wrong foot. To gallop around doesn’t do it for me. Sorry!”
Anton: “You do need slightly better posture and one or two less mistakes. But you have the components to be a super dancer.”
Craig: “I’m not sure about that, Anton. Posture was off, frame was not great. It was heavy, there was gapping. Everything the Quickstep shouldn’t be.”
Ouch! These scores are going to be brutal aren’t they...
Saturday 10 October 2026 18:41 , Rachel McGrathHere comes the happiest man in the Strictly studio... it's Shaun and Alexis! The former footballer scored a not-too-shabby 25 for his Saturday Night Fever-themed Salsa last week.
But never mind the score, my favourite thing about him is how much he is just loving the dancefloor. That's what Strictly is about.
He’s doing a Quickstep to "I’m a Believer" by The Monkees and his dad Ian Wright has stopped by in training! What a treat.
Will's scores are in...
Saturday 10 October 2026 18:38 , Rachel McGrathHe’s received a 6, 6, 6 and a 7 - that’s a decent score of 25!
Saturday 10 October 2026 18:37 , Rachel McGrathOh that definitely suited Will more, didn’t it? Very graceful and dapper.
Here’s what the judges thought...
Shirley: “Last week, I said ‘plod, plod, plod’. But not this week. You had some really nice footwork. What a difference from last week.”
Anton: “This was so much better. Well done. I liked your hold especially. There was a calmness to your top line.”
Craig: “I thought it was a little bit square and I felt like you could drive across the floor a little bit more. Do smile, darling. You’re allowed to smile in this.”
Motsi: “I think both of you captured the music beautifully. I feel like you’re getting stronger and stronger. That was your best dance.”
Saturday 10 October 2026 18:31 , Rachel McGrathLovely Will Best is up next! He has struggled so far and lingered near the bottom of the leaderboard after his Foxtrot last week.
A Waltz feels like a much safer option. He and Dianne are performing to "With You I’m Born Again" by Billy Preston & Syreeta.
Lacey's scores are in...
Saturday 10 October 2026 18:29 , Rachel McGrathShe’s received a 6, 6, 7 and another 7 - for a total of 26!
Saturday 10 October 2026 18:27 , Rachel McGrathI didn’t think that was too bad at all! Could have been a bit more fluid movement through the whole body but it’s only week three.
Here’s what the judges think of Lacey’s Samba...
Anton: “Absolutely marvellous. What a way to start, really. The one thing I’d like you to work on more is your feet.”
Craig: “I thought the energy in the upper body wasn’t matching your leg action. When you did your spins, you just misjudged that to get back into hold. But I have to say your spins are really great and you should be proud of yourself.”
Motsi: “I love the way you dance, it feels so natural, the way you move. What you’re dancing is nothing to be shy about, you’re powerful. So sell it like a show girl.”
Shirley: “I’m always impressed when someone pushes the envelope. I thought you came out this week with pure attitude. To open the show the way you did was spectacular.”
Saturday 10 October 2026 18:23 , Rachel McGrathRight, we’ve got a lot of dances to get through and starting us off with a Samba, it’s Lacey and Vito.
At least Lacey (one of the favourites to win) is getting it out of the way nice and early in both the episode and the series. And she's bagged herself a classic Samba track to perform to - "Bamboléo" by Gipsy Kings.
Saturday 10 October 2026 18:18 , Rachel McGrath Our hosts are looking lovely! I’m not sure whose outfit I want most... Johannes’s, probably?
Saturday 10 October 2026 18:14 , Rachel McGrath High praise from my lovely colleague Katie, there. And hello! I am indeed back to guide you through tonight’s live show.
It’s a themeless week but there’s still plenty to look forward to - including a Couple’s Choice that sounds seriously promising...
The countdown is on!
Saturday 10 October 2026 18:00 , Katie RosseinskyThis is your 15 minute Strictly countdown klaxon! Week three will be kicking off in just quarter of an hour at 6.15pm.
Start planning your snack set-up and reserve your sofa spot accordingly – and remember to keep following along with The Independent’s live blog. I’ll soon be passing on the baton to my colleague Rachel McGrath – and if there’s anything she doesn’t know about Strictly, it’s frankly not worth knowing.
Ola Jordan makes her Strictly comeback
Saturday 10 October 2026 17:50 , Katie RosseinskyLast night a Strictly favourite returned to the fold for the first time in more than a decade.
Former Glitterball champion Ola Jordan, who won the show in 2009 along with her celebrity partner Chris Hollins, made an appearance on It Takes Two on Friday, after a 11 year hiatus from the world of Strictly.
Ola was joined on the spin-off show by Sarah Hadland and Dr Ranj Singh, as well as new presenter Ellie Taylor, and later shared an Instagram post celebrating her return.
”So many incredible memories, so many special people and such a huge part of my life was created here,” she wrote.
“Thank you to Strictly for having me back and giving me the opportunity to be part of it again. It really does feel like coming home.”
Ola, who left the show in 2015, two years after the departure of her then-husband James Jordan.
Earlier this year, the couple announced that they would be splitting up after 22 years of marriage.
Fans were thrilled to see Ola back on the scene, with one Instagram user writing: “Absolutely made my day seeing you back Ola!”
Love this so much! @bbcstrictly we would love Ola to be presenting or dancing again permanently!” another added.
“I was saying how great it was to see you,” a third said. “One of the best choreographers and dancers. You need to be part of the show.”
Richard Osman has an interesting solution to the Strictly presenter conundrum
Saturday 10 October 2026 17:23 , Katie RosseinskyHow do you solve a problem like the new Strictly presenting line-up? Turns out, Richard Osman has some thoughts – and with him being a former TV producing powerhouse and all, they’re worth listening to.
His solution would be to put Josh Widdicombe in the role that Johannes Radebe is occupying right now, chatting to celebs and dancers in the upstairs area formerly known as the “Clauditorium”.
Emma Willis, he reckons, could then present solo on the main stage, while Johannes could serve as more of a roving reporter backstage, which would provide the show with “extra content”.
Are you convinced? Read the full story below. ..
Richard Osman explains how he would fix new era of Strictly Come Dancing
All the Strictly 2026 pairings
Saturday 10 October 2026 16:50 , Katie RosseinskyNeed a quick refresher on who’s paired up with who? Here’s your guide to this year’s cohort of contestants (because we’re all too aware that, at this stage in the competition, it can be hard to keep track...)
Strictly Come Dancing 2026: All the pairings in the BBC cast
Former Strictly pro weighs in on the new format – and he's not impressed
Saturday 10 October 2026 16:22 , Katie RosseinskyWe can always rely on former pro dancer James Jordan to wade into the debate on any Strictly–related topic – and now he’s shared his views on the presenter conundrum.
”Two [presenters] are enough,” he told the Daily Mail today. “Why do you need three? I just don't really understand it.”
“Emma's so good, she doesn't need two people to share her job with. She's doing less because she's got to share. “
James went on to describe the format as “confusing” and “just too much”, before urging producers: “Go back to two hosts on Strictly, not three.”
He said that while he was “happy to give Johannes some time” to find his feet, Josh Widdicombe’s humour felt “scripted” and forced.
Do you agree?
Strictly star opens up about ‘horrific’ results show experience after dance off
Saturday 10 October 2026 15:52 , Katie RosseinskyLast week saw Jaime Winstone and her professional partner Carlos Gu in the first dance off of the season, going head to head with Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden.
While the judges eventually backed Jaime and Carlos in a unanimous vote, it’s clear that the experience took its toll on the star.
“It is a horrific feeling being up there,” she told It Takes Two earlier this week.
Get the full story below...
Strictly star opens up about ‘horrific’ results show experience after dance off
Bethany Antonia opens up on why same-sex 'Strictly' pairing is so important
Saturday 10 October 2026 15:26 , Katie RosseinskyStrictly contestant and House of the Dragon star Bethany Antonia has spoken to the BBC about why same-sex representation is so important on the show.
The actor, who has teamed up with Nancy Xu, revealed that watching Nicola Adams and Katya Jones as the show’s first same-sex dance pair in 2020 made it easier for her to have conversations about her own sexuality.
“When I watched Nicola and Katya do it for the first time and be the first same-sex pairing, I wasn't out to everyone in my life,” she said.
”Watching them do the show... made it so much easier for me to have that conversation with people in my life.”
She hopes that her and Nancy might have the same impact for someone else watching.
”If I get to be a part of that story for one other person, one other girl… I've done my job,” she said.
A closer look at Shirley and Anton's dance off
Saturday 10 October 2026 14:55 , Katie RosseinskyLook, there’s nothing I enjoy more than seeing Queen of Latin Shirley Ballas get a chance to show off her cha cha cha. So I’m rather looking forward to Sunday night’s special dance routine featuring both her and Anton, alongside the pros.
Here’s a few photos that the BBC have released in advance... I’m definitely rooting for Team Latin.
Look at that hair-ography!
And for some reason, Neil Jones is dressed as a referee... Sure, why not?
'It Takes Two's Ellie Taylor weighs in on presenter backlash
Saturday 10 October 2026 14:27 , Katie RosseinskySpeaking of the presenter backlash... It Takes Two host Ellie Taylor – who was previously paired up with Johannes when she took part in Strictly in 2022 – has weighed in on the lukewarm response so far.
“People don’t like change,” she told The i Paper. “I think they’re great. There’s such a great energy in that room; they’re all so pumped to be there.”
She may have a point –let’s not forget that it was always going to take a while for Tess and Claudia’s replacements to really get to grips with the role.
After all, not only is Strictly one of British TV’s biggest live productions, it’s also a show that really relies on familiarity as part of its appeal – a lovely autumnal woolly jumper of a series, in the best possible way.
We return to it year after year in no small part because it doesn’t change much. So a shake-up like this was always going to be a bit jarring.
Indeed, Ellie reckons that her co-stars will “settle into the roles even better than they already have”.
You can read the full story below...
Strictly Come Dancing star weighs in on host backlash: ‘People don’t like change’
Will we see Emma and Jojo team up again?
Saturday 10 October 2026 14:02 , Katie RosseinskySince the season began last month, Strictly fans have been less than enamoured, shall we say, by the brand new presenting line-up.
Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe were announced as the replacements for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman earlier this year – but some viewers aren’t fans of the trio format.
So far, Willis and Widdicombe have been taking on what we’ll call the “Tess” role, which involves presiding over the dance floor and chatting to the judges, while Radebe has been in the “Claud” role, waiting upstairs to debrief with the celebs and their partners after their routines.
However, during Sunday night’s results show, Willis and Radebe were paired up for a discussion with the judges – and viewers seemed to... actually quite like it?
We’ll have to wait and see whether we get more Emma-Jojo joint screen time this weekend. Here’s my colleague Jacob Stolworthy’s report on the viewer response last week...
Strictly viewers approve of new presenter pairing in results show
All the dances for Week Three
Saturday 10 October 2026 13:30 , Katie RosseinskyAfter last week’s film-focused extravaganza this time around there’s no overarching theme for the couples’ dances.
Here’s your reminder of exactly what we can expect... I for one can’t wait to hear the Dave Arch Band tackle Gina G and sombr in the same week – they’re nothing if not versatile...
Bethany & Nancy - American Smooth to ‘Love Song’ by Sara Bareilles
Dani & Nikita - Tango to ‘Show Me Love’ by Robin S
Delta & Kai - Salsa to ‘Always There / Ain’t Nobody’ by Jocelyn Brown / Chaka Khan
Jaime & Carlos - Viennese Waltz to ‘Never Tear Us Apart’ by INXS
Lacey & Vito - Samba to ‘Bamboléo’ by Gipsy Kings
Melanie & Aljaž - Charleston to ‘Ooh Ahh... Just A Little Bit’ by Gina G
Dame Sarah & Julian - Paso Doble to ‘California Dreamin’ by Sia
Tabby & Mark - Argentine Tango to ‘hate that I made you love me’ by Ariana Grande
Cach & Maddie - Couple’s Choice to ‘Beware.. The South London Lover Boy’ by RAYE
Graeme & Lauren - Jive to ‘Reet Petite’ by Jackie Wilson
John & Katya - Cha Cha to ‘Rock Your Body’ by Justin Timberlake
Lawrence & Jowita - Rumba to ‘back to friends’ by sombr
Shaun & Alexis - Quickstep to ‘I’m a Believer’ by The Monkees
Will & Dianne - Waltz to ‘With You I’m Born Again’ by Billy Preston & Syreeta
What time is Strictly on tonight?
Saturday 10 October 2026 13:08 , Katie RosseinskyGood afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live blog for tonight’s episode of Strictly Come Dancing.
The competition is now in its third week, with Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden being in the unenviable position of being the first couple to leave the series last Sunday.
As ever, the big question for the afternoon is: what time do things kick off this evening? As with last week, the show will be kicking off at 6.15pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
