Strictly Come Dancing: week 10 results – as it happened

8.39pm GMT Roar of the greasepaint next time Thanks for watching along with me, glitterball gang. Our fabulous five now dance into the quarter-final, the last themed show of the series, with routines inspired by West End and Broadway hits. Fancy dress and jazzhands obligatory. Musicals Week will also include another all-new dance challenge. Details to be confirmed but I’m here for it. It airs next Saturday at 6.50pm on BBC1. Meet you back here to decide who’s a long-running five-star hit and who’s a zero-stars box office bomb. In the meantime, it’s our family motto: keeeeep dancing! Goodnight and have a lovely week. 8.30pm GMT Finally, TeeDubyaBee says: “Keep expecting a sausage on a fork to come towards Motsi with that shirt and tie combo.” ReclinedPotato says: “I didn’t realise that Motsi went to the same comprehensive school as my brother. All alumni of Joseph Rowntree York will recognise the uniform she is wearing tonight, stunning.” LazyMillennial says: “I know people can be weird about Amber but when she said she was especially waiting for Musicals Week, my mum immediately came out with ‘I WONDER WHY’ and I laughed profusely. MikeMoonlight adds: “As the holder of tonight’s casting vote, Shirley would like to categorically state that her decision will be based entirely on the dance fundamentals and not, I repeat NOT, on the amount of buttons on the shirts of the male professionals.” Updated at 8.32pm GMT 8.26pm GMT Poppieshen says: “Fair play to Alex dancing with an injured rib. As someone who managed to injure her ribs getting into bed last week ( I missed the bed and landed on the floor!), I can tell you it hurts.” MikeMoonlight says: “It’s probably time to rename the Sunday results show as ‘Balvinder’s Half Hour’.” Somersetlass adds: “Did anyone else spot the wonderful subtitle fail ‘choreographed by two-time Strictly champion Ultima Busi’?” 8.24pm GMT lester48 says: “Considering Alex was not very well a year ago, she’s been an absolute star and an inspiration.” Aine183 says: “Wouldn‘t it be fun if Balvinder danced off all the way into the final? She can‘t win if not enough people vote for her, but if she keeps surviving dance offs, she can make it there.” Somersetlass says: “I admit I hadn’t heard of Myles Smith, but I loved that! And I’m always happy to see Kai and Karen dance.” neko99 adds: “Always a joy to see Kai’s veneers. But seriously, he’s a fab dancer. Karen too, obvs.” 8.20pm GMT MartGray says: “Glad you enjoyed the Westlife tune too, Michael. I’d love to see Shane or someone from Blue Lights on Strictly next year - or would they have to go on the Irish Dancing With the Stars?” Somersetlass says: “One time where I really couldn’t call it. They both seemed to raise their game. A spilt vote! So very sad Alex is out, but I’m glad she danced that so well. And I think she was ready to go. ‘And these memories are just the beginning for us’ made me cry.” JoMK73 adds: “If Balvinder were in a Mexican morgue, you can guarantee she’d be the sole survivor. She’ll see off Tess, Claud and the judges at this rate.” 8.18pm GMT Readers’ verdicts are in A rapidfire vox pop of your choreographic comments. gladarvor says:” “Yes, Alex seemed to limp after the dance-off, and you can tell by the way she’s moved over the past 2 weeks that she’s more restrained. I don’t think this is purely an energy thing at all. But Alex being classy through and through, she didn’t mention it once, just the facts: a 62 yo body.” Toesturnedin says: “I’ve said it many times before but the world needs more Johannes in it. What an absolute gem of a gent.” annewithan_e adds: “Did it sound like Johannes was saying a more permanent goodbye? Oddly restrained from him.” Updated at 8.33pm GMT 8.15pm GMT Once again, thanks to all of you who’ve bought, read and said kind things about this liveblogger’s debut novel. But just a reminder that it’s the last few hours to get your paws on The Dogwalkers’ Detective Agency on e-book for a wag-ulous reduced price of 99p. Thanks also for tolerating my plugging. You’re all very lovely. 8.11pm GMT Famous five deserve their quarter-final spots We now have our final five who will dance into December and compete in the final three weeks of the contest. Are they the quintet we would have foreseen back on September? Not far off. Many predicted that Vicky Pattison, Ellie Goldstein and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey would last a few weeks longer but this feels like a fairly accurate reflection of the dance quality so far. According to the bookies, top scorer Lewis Cope, the popular and plucky Karen Carney, and the heavily backed George Clarke are strong favourites to reach the three-way final. This means that we’ll likely lose Balvinder Sopal and Amber Davies over the coming fortnight. In a contest full of surprises, though, anything could happen and it’s still all to dance for. Predictions please? 8.10pm GMT Instant Dance reception prompts an encore Last night’s inaugural Instant Dance challenge went down so well that was it’s just been announced that next Saturday will feature something similar. Musicals Week will see “our couples take part in another Strictly first: a brand new high-stakes dance challenge”. Further details will be revealed in due course. Can. Not. Wait. Bring on the fruity hats and fur coats. Updated at 8.34pm GMT 8.08pm GMT Are you not entertained? TV viewers can now stay on BBC1 for Antiques Roadshow: Unseen Treasures, flip to ITV1 for Bullseye or head to Channel 4 for Game Of Wool: Britain’s Best Knitter. At 9pm, choose from Prisoner 951 on BBC1, Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing on BBC2 or I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! on ITV1. Tonight’s film picks are Skyfall (8pm on ITV), Mission: Impossible – Fallout (9pm on E4), The Northman (9pm on Film4) and Gladiator (10pm on BBC2). At my signal, unleash hell. 8.06pm GMT Jojo continued his five-year run of fine form Alex Kingston’s bittersweet exit means we also bid a fond farewell to her partner, much-loved South African professional Johannes Radebe. He’s been on a hot streak for the past five series, reaching the final with John Whaite, the semi-final with Annabel Croft and the quarter-final with Montell Douglas, while getting to week 10 with both Alex and Ellie Taylor. Jojo formed an adorable relationship with Alex. They had a hoot together in training and genuinely do seem to have become close friends. As they departed, he was resplendent in an Afro and cheerleading her right until the end. He’s carved out a niche among the pro troupe as a sensitive, supportive partner to more mature women, having worked similar wonders with Caroline Quentin and Annabel Croft. No wonder so many celebrities want to be paired with him. Frankly, who wouldn’t? Updated at 8.35pm GMT 8.04pm GMT Record breaker Balvinder makes Strictly history EastEnders actor Balvinder Sopal has now survived five dance-offs - not a record she would’ve wanted but still a feat never achieved before in Strictly history. The only other celebrity to compete in five was pop star Jamelia a decade ago but she duly lost to Peter Andre in the fifth. Balvinder won this one by a split decision but has now seen off Ross King, Chris Robshaw, Ellie Goldstein, Vicky Pattison and Alex Kingston. She and pro partner Julian Caillon have displayed admirable resilience, grit and good humour. When the judges pointed out her mistakes during Saturday’s jive, Bal wryly replied: “It’s alright, I’ll come back and do it again in the dance-off.” Balvinder showed great fighting spirit to come out and perform such a decent paso doble in the Instant Dance challenge, placing her runner-up behind Lewis Cope. She can take further heart from the fact only three other celebrities have survived a dance off in week three or earlier before going on to make it to the quarter-finals: Charles Venn, Simon Webbe and Fleur East. The latter two went all the way to the final. Balvinder is unlikely to do the same but as an actor, she’ll still relish securing a place in Musicals Week. Updated at 8.36pm GMT 8.03pm GMT Sad to see her go but Alex ran out of steam Witty, glamorous and a great sport, actor Alex Kingston added a real touch of class to the Strictly 2025 cast. Inspired to sign up by her pal Sarah Hadland, who finished runner-up last year, the ER and Doctor Who star has been a sheer delight to watch. Her press statement upon her unveiling was simply “Aaaaarrgghhh!” When she dressed as a devil for the Halloween special, Alex admitted: “My horns ended up in some dangerous places during the lifts.” With an average score over 30 points - the fourth highest in the field - Alex once looked like an outside bet to reach the final. This would have made her the oldest ever finalist, beating Pamela Stephenson, who was 61 in 2010. In recent weeks, however, she seemed to hit a wall. She struggled with the paso doble three weeks ago, then her Couple’s Choice in Blackpool was a tad underwhelming. Saturday’s cha-cha dis-ah-ster was awarded just 23 points. Not just her lowest mark since week one but the fourth lowest week 10 score in Strictly history. After last night’s error-strewn routine, Alex admitted that her 62-year-old body was suffering. It sounded distinctly like a premature exit speech, suggesting she knew the writing was on the wall. There have been reports that she suffered a broken rib in recent weeks, had been seen walking with a limp and wasn’t moving freely. The home stretch of the contest, with double dances each week, looked like a physical challenge too far. As a hoofing novice, Alex’s performances have been a revelation, with strong characterisation, lovely leg action and a particular affinity for Latin. Her highlights were her leaderboard-topping carnival samba, that devilish salsa, a magical Blackpool waltz and being crowned “rumba queen” by Shirley Ballas herself. Alex isn’t alone in struggling with the tricky cha-cha, which has caused celebrities problems all series. Only Lewis Cope and Amber Davies have scored more than 30 for it. Alex can look back on her 10-week run with fond memories and real pride. Updated at 8.36pm GMT 8.00pm GMT Alex and Jojo’s last dance As the departing pair trip the light fantastic to World Of Our Own by Westlife (underrated banger – are they Blue Lights fans?), the credits roll and their castmates descend to commiserate. Please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments. 7.57pm GMT Jojo returns the compliment Alex’s partner Johannes Radebe, voice thickening with emotion, says: “I’ve never grinned as much as I have in the last few weeks. Thank you, Alex, for being a trooper. I will hold on to the memories. As far as the dancing goes, I think we’ve achieved what we wanted to achieve. These memories are just the beginning for us. We are very much a Strictly family.” What a gorgeous partnership they had. 7.57pm GMT Alex says adios In her exit interview with Tess Daly, Alex says: “I never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would last this long. It’s been just the most incredible journey for me. I feel quite proud of myself because I’ve loved the process, I mean 100%, you can tell by my smile. I couldn’t have done it without this man. Everyone always says that their dance partner is a friend for life, but JoJo really will be.” Aww. Of course he will be. Updated at 8.37pm GMT 7.56pm GMT Alex Kingston is eliminated There it is. Alex becomes the eighth celebrity to be eliminated and the 10th overall to depart the Strictly 2025 dancefloor. 7.56pm GMT Head judge Shirley Ballas gets the casting vote The casting vote is needed for only the second time this series. Twirly Shirley looks torn but chooses to save Balvinder and Julian, saying “they upped their game more and added spice”. 7.55pm GMT Motsi Mabuse chooses to save… Balvinder and Julian, saying “it was close with no mistakes but they had more attack”. 7.55pm GMT Craig Revel Horwood chooses to save… Balvinder and Julian, saying “she danced the pants off it and had timing and energy”. 7.54pm GMT Anton du Beke chooses to save… Alex and Jojo, saying “both couples fixed their mistakes but they showed better quality”. 7.53pm GMT Verdict time Both improved for me but let’s hear from the quartet whose decisions count. Craig awarded Balvinder three points more last night. Motsi and Shirley gave her one point more, while Anton scored them the same, rather ridiculously. Should’ve gone to Specsavers. Updated at 8.38pm GMT 7.51pm GMT Balvinder takes her turn Balvinder Sopal and her pro partner Julian Caillon reprise their jive to Right Back Where We Started From by Maxine Nightingale. The judges said last night that it she made mistakes and had some hesitancy in the leg action but her timing was good, swivels were superb and she sold it well. It scored 28 points, a five-point advantage over Alex. Can Balvinder fix those errors and do even better than first around, like Alex just did? 7.49pm GMT Alex goes first in dance-off Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe have another go at their cha cha cha to Ring My Bell by Anita Ward. The judges said last night that it was littered with mistakes and got out of time, but had decent groove and leg action. It scored just 23 points, five fewer than Balvinder, so can she improve enough to close the gap? Fewer mistakes so far, so you never know. 7.48pm GMT A bit George Ezra-meets-Michael Kiwanuka innit. In a good way. 7.46pm GMT Music from Myles Smith Time for this week’s musical interlude from Luton-born folk-popper Myles Smith - winner of this year’s Brit Rising Star Award - performing his recent single Stay (If You Wanna Dance). It’s a frisky, upbeat pop number about “human connection, freedom and choosing to live for now”. Sharp, jive-meet-Charleston choreographic accompaniment is provided by Kai Widdrington and Karen Hauer. 7.45pm GMT "Take that coat off" That’s what Alexis Warr told George Clarke at the top of their instant tango. Turns out George hates musicals. They’ll be dancing an Argentine Tango to Phantom Of The Opera. Or Casper the Friendly Ghost. To be confirmed. 7.44pm GMT Lewis does a spicy one next week More balcony badinage with the relieved pairs. Katya Jones reveals that she and Lewis are dancing a West Side Story salsa. 7.42pm GMT No great surprise after Lewis Cope topped the combined leaderboard for the fourth time. After finishing third from bottom, George Clarke will be breathing a sigh of relief. 7.41pm GMT Which means Lewis and George are safe The last two couples mop their brows and waltz through to the quarter-final. 7.41pm GMT Alex Kingston in dance-off for first time She was bottom of the combined scoreboard, so perhaps’s that’s no surprise. Alex Kingston and her pro partner Johannes Radebe are in their first dance-off against Balvinder and Jules. 7.40pm GMT Balvinder in dreaded dance-off for fifth time Well, it had a certain inevitability. Balvinder Sopal and her pro partner Julian Caillon are in the dance-off yet again. Can they survive another? And who will they be up against? 7.40pm GMT Uh oh, it’s crunch time again That pesky crimson spotlight is back to reveal who’ll face the dreaded dance-off. 7.39pm GMT Musicals Week gets the trailer treatment. If you’re allergic to jazzhands, approach next Saturday with care. 7.38pm GMT Turns out it was like a drunken family wedding behind the judges’ table during Instant Dance. Dad dancing! Mum frugging! White man’s overbite! Getting lyrics slightly wrong! 7.37pm GMT Anton du Beke waxes lyrical about Amber Davies’ controlled energy during her jive. 7.36pm GMT Motsi Mabuse praises the way that George Clarke is taking charge in dances and raising his game in the home stretch. 7.36pm GMT We’ve never had so many perfect 40s at this stage of the contest and Craig Revel Horwood, traditionally the panel’s scoring Scrooge and glittberall Grinch, explains why. 7.35pm GMT They all sing the praises of the Instant Dance mayhem. Lewis Cope was on fire, says Shirley, while Balvinder Sopal bounced back brilliantly. 7.34pm GMT Dance debrief The famous foursome squeeze onto Claudia’s banquette for a closer look at last night’s routines. Motsi seems to have come dressed as David Brent. 7.33pm GMT Lifts, contemporary flourishes and a lovely lyrical feel. Bravo, Mr and Mrs Oti. 7.31pm GMT Aljaž Škorjanec and Michelle Tsiakkas play a couple in a torrid relationship. telling the story of their rollercoaster romance through dance. Updated at 7.32pm GMT 7.31pm GMT It’s a dramatic, emotional rumba, set to Grace Carter’s cover of Wicked Game by Chris Isaak. Tune. Wild At Heart vibes. My snakeskin jacket! Updated at 7.32pm GMT 7.30pm GMT Oti Mabuse works her magic Group number now, choreographed by two-time glitterball champion Oti Mabuse (who won in consecutive years with Kelvin Fletcher and Bill Bailey, of course), together with her husband, Romanian dancer Marius Lepure. 7.29pm GMT Musicals Week for a musicals geek Amber Davies and Nikita Kizmin discuss getting a 40 for their jive, then immediately being sent backstage to rummage through a rail of Instant Dance garms. They reveal that next week, they’re dancing a Guys & Dolls Charleston. Swivel! 7.27pm GMT Karen Carney is still emotional Up in the Clauditorium with the relieved quarter-finalists, Carlos Gu admits that Kaz “keeps him humble” and she gets sweet video messages from her fellow Lionesses. 7.24pm GMT Amber doesn’t turn red After her first perfect 40 last night, Amber Davies deservedly progresses. 7.24pm GMT Karen Carney progresses Rightly so, although finishing last in the Instant Dance challenge might have worried her. 7.24pm GMT Red light spells danger The dreaded scarlet spotlight of doom is here. Time to find out who’s qualified for the quarter-final and who might be dancing again for survival. 7.23pm GMT Our Strictly stars™ Our squeaky-bummed six couples wait to hear their fates. Julian Caillon still hasn’t zipped up his lifeguards’ shirt. He’ll catch a chill. Updated at 7.25pm GMT 7.22pm GMT The judging panel take their floor-side seats. They’ll have a decision to make and hearts to break later. 7.20pm GMT Last night’s live show rewound A reminder of Saturday night’s action on-screen now. Perfect 40s for Amber and Karen! Alex’s cha-cha dis-ah-ster! Instant Dance insanity! 7.19pm GMT Frockwatch Here’s our hostly duo, so let’s do a rapid gown rundown. Tess Daly is in a silver minidress with 80s shoulder pads. Claudia Winkleman is in a white high-necked blouse and black skirt. Only three weeks left of this dream team. Sob. 7.18pm GMT Roll clap-along credits Cue that toe-tapping ba-ba-da theme tune and familiar title sequence. But which couple are about to swap smiles for sobs? 7.17pm GMT Aaaaand we’re off! Proceedings open a behind-the-scenes VT from last night. Glittery gowns! Dapper dinner suits! Fruit-laden millinery! A lindyhopping lifeguard with his six-pack out! Run, Yasmine! Run like the wind! Updated at 7.18pm GMT 7.15pm GMT Buckle up, buttercups. We’re about to be beamed back to the Elstree Studios ballroom… 7.13pm GMT Lord Attenborough-led wildlife series Kingdom just drawing to a close on BBC1. Those wild dog pups and lion cubs are fairly adorable. Just remember that a deadly wild predator is not just for Christmas. 7.10pm GMT Instant Dance went down well Last night’s major talking point was the inaugural Instant Dance challenge – a seat-of-the-pants innovation where the pairs were given a dance a style at random, then told to immediately pick a costume and improvise a routine. It was enjoyable mayhem and proved a big hit - especially on social media and among younger viewers. Expect it to become an annual fixture. Just five minutes until results showtime… Updated at 7.12pm GMT 7.04pm GMT Shirley gets the casting vote It was announced in last night’s live show that this week, the crucial dance-off vote goes to head judge Shirley Ballas. So no different to most weeks, then. This format tweak isn’t exactly setting our screens alight, is it? Ten minutes until the glittery curtain comes up… 6.59pm GMT Myles ahead Tonight’s musical guest is folk-pop singer-songwriter Myles Smith. Me neither but I’m reliably informed he’s terribly talented. It’s 15 minutes until showtime… 6.56pm GMT A reminder of that complicated combined scoreboard The leaderboard combined last week’s Blackpool public vote and judges’ scores with this week’s, plus the extra points from the Instant Dance challenge, where a maximum of six marks were available. It all left the rankings, out of a possible 86 points, looking like this: Lewis & Katya – 82 points Amber & Nikita – 80 points Karen & Carlos – 80 points George & Alexis – 75 points Balvinder & Julian – 66 points Alex & Johannes – 61 points Clear as mud? Excellent. It’s 20 minutes until the mirrorball starts spinning again… 6.50pm GMT A Strictly favourite returns tonight Two-time glitterball winner Oti Mabuse is back in the ballroom this evening, choreographing this week’s pro group number. Should be a sweet sisterly reunion with judge Motsi too. We miss you. Oti. It’s 25 minutes until sequin o’clock… 6.45pm GMT Will it be fifth time unlucky for Bal? Coming into this weekend, bookies’ odds-on favourite for elimination was Balvinder Sopal once again. But were her cute retro jive and second-placed paso in the Instant Dance challenge enough to rescue her from a record-equalling dance-off? Half an hour until we get our first choreographic clues… 6.41pm GMT Who will miss out on Musicals Week? One act is about to be cruelly culled from the all-singing, all-dancing Strictly cast. Good evening and welcome to the latest elimination from Strictly Come Dancing 2025. I’m Michael, your glitter-encrusted guide to tonight’s results show. After last week’s weird non-results show, it’s back to normal Sunday night business. You are warmly invited to watch along with me as somebody falls agonisingly short of the musicals-themed quarter-final. Following last night’s eventful live show, which climaxed with the chaotic Instant Dance challenge, our super six pro-celebrity pairings will be whittled down to a fabulous five. Two weeks’ worth of judges’ scores and public votes have been combined. Tonight the bottom two will dance-off for survival. So who might not dance into December? Alex Kingston was left at the bottom of the standings after her cha-cha disaster, with Balvinder Sopal just above. But will voting viewers agree? If not, the likes of George Clarke and Amber Davies could be in for a nervy night. It’s results showtime at 7.15pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6.45pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and mild-to-medium-spiced snark. So snuggle up on this wet ’n’ windy Sunday evening and I’ll see you on the sofa. As always, I’d love to hear from you too. You can tweet/“X” me @michaelhogan, contact me on Bluesky or Threads @michaelhogan100, email me michael.hogan.freelance@guardian.co.uk and the comments section below is open for glittery gossip. I’ll quickstep down there from time to time (with no gapping) to enjoy the chat and quote your wise words up top. The door is about to slam shut on somebody’s Strictly Advent calendar. Nearly time to staaaaaart quarter-final qualifying! 9.14pm GMT Thank you and a glittery goodnight Wasn’t that a gloriously bonkers show? Anyone’s guess on the dance-off but Balvinder vs Alex is my prediction, probably with Alex to go. That concludes Saturday’s liveblog but please feel free to carry on commenting, my sequin-spangled pals. Meet you right back here for the results show, which airs at 7.15pm Sunday on BBC1. I’ll spark up the blog at 6.45pm 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 give me a follow or say hi. Thanks for watching along with me. See you tomorrow but in the meantime, you know full well what to do: keeeeeep dancing! Goodnight and stay safe. 8.58pm GMT Finally, JWT1976 says: “The instant dance took some getting used to. I’ll admit, but Bal was on fire in that. She just will not give in.” DochkiMateri says: “Nikita’s trousers are going straight to the V&A museum, into the seven wonders of the wardrobe section.” RumblingTum says: “Loved, loved, loved the Instant Dance chaos. Love the unscripted shenanigans.” Belette says: “That was AMAZING! It was utterly chaotic, such fun and best of all, they all looked as if they were enjoying it when they could have been frozen with fear. Just shows what you can do if you don’t overthink things!” Inspissatedman adds: “With the Blackpool show last week and the highs and lows of this, doesn’t this have to be one of the most compelling SCDs for years?” 8.52pm GMT On the actual Instant Dancing, EmmyHarb says: “Julian was brilliant at giving a full set of instructions in 10 seconds.” irreverentnurse says: “Lewis and Katya were streets ahead of everyone. Makes it all seem a bit pointless.” joanielove says: “Balvinder was manic. Karen looked she was on a drunken night out.” YodaknowsAll says: “Lewis probably deserved top spot but I am thrilled for Balvinder in 2nd spot. I hope it gives her confidence a boost.” emasl2023 says: “i love George getting the giggles when he was doing the tango.” giroliddy adds: “This is w-a-a-y better than the various dance-a-thons of yore. Good fun plus some genuinely impressive improv. Can we have this every year please?” 8.48pm GMT pubbore says: “What is this, Supermarket Sweep?” LegTheory says: “This is a bit Game for a Laugh meets the Generation Game. The director must be having kittens!” davewatcher says: “Bruce would’ve loved this! It’s basically the final round of Generation Game where they put on daft costumes and learned a dance with no rehearsal.” loubylou99 says: “Enjoyed the instant dance but the point allocation was a bit pants. Seems a lot of effort for very little reward. It didn’t really change much on the table so it doesn’t introduce any jeopardy.” MikeMoonlight adds: “This really needs to culminate with a conveyor belt and the winner going home with a Teasmaid, a set of steak knifes, a Betamax video recorder and a cuddly toy.” 8.46pm GMT On the Instant Dance costume chaos, ienehandal says: “I have absolutely no idea what is going on, other than I really do need to get a new dressing gown.” Pancake01 says: “I am loving Claudia in this, though. ‘Just take it ALL’.” EmmyHarb says: “Claudia was giving me C&A Saturday girl vibes with those rails!” Lidoswimmer says: “I wish La Voix was still here for this. She’d be hilarious having to pick a random costume.” Storm says: “Ferchriissakes, Nikita, are you being sponsored by Vanish?!?” LazyMillennial adds: “Johannes as a grandmother’s armchair and George as the world’s poshest, most polite pimp.” 8.43pm GMT On Amber Davies, irreverentnurse says: “Well done, Amber. That was a jive. The pair of them are exhausting and bouncing with energy.” teresacurtis says: “Sorry but Alexandra Burke and Gorka’s jive to Proud Mary will never be bettered.” G1adys says: “It’s fair to say that Amber was lighter on her feet than Balvinder but otherwise it was forgettable - unlike Jill Halfpenny.” MarkRoche adds: “Mmm, now I Iove me some Tina (hence the profile pic) but that routine was too much Tina and not enough jive. Alexandra Burke did it better.” 8.40pm GMT On Karen Carney, ladyglencora says: “That’s how you do a Couple’s Choice! Perfect meld of backstory - not sob story - growing confidence and brilliant technique with nods to younger breakdancing self.” Vicc says: “That dance from Karen and Carlos has put a huge smile on my face. Great dance to great music. If Karen is not in the final, it won’t be worth watching. She’s fantastic!” VelvetinaB says: “That online misogynistic abuse can reduce the confidence of such a wonderful, humble, authentic woman like Karen makes me so angry. That dance was a response of the best kind - powerful, confident and glorious.” fihema says: “If ever there was an argument for keeping Couple’s Choice, that was it! I want to see that again. Hope it’s in the final. She’s my winner, no matter who wins this season. I hope it’s a glitter football this year.” MartGray adds: “After the sad VT. I was expecting miserable contempo-waft, but that was a proper bobby dazzler. Kaz has jazz.” 8.38pm GMT On Balvinder Sopal, Somersetlass says: “A fun, frothy jive from Balvinder and Julian with loads of content but she seemed a bit hesitant and flat-footed. What’s happened tonight? Is everyone still hungover from Blackpool?” Pancake01 says: “Julian needs to take a leaf out of Aljaz’s book. Even if it goes tits, you shout ‘YES!’ at the end.” Strictlylounging adds: “Go on, Balvinder. Like that she acknowledged her dance-off legacy!” Updated at 8.41pm GMT 8.36pm GMT On Lewis Cope’s rumba, ReclinedPotato says: “Goodness me, that was the most beautiful piece of dance I’ve seen for a very long time. Quite overwhelmed to be honest.” acanthe says: “But…but…didn’t Craig notice his hands??? I’m not criticising because I thought he was great in that rumba but his fingers were very splayed at least one time and CRAIG DIDN’T MENTION IT!” BexPri adds: “That was a clever and very engaging rumba. Who pulled Katya away at the end, though?” Updated at 9.05pm GMT 8.33pm GMT On George Clarke (not that one), Pancake01 says: “The right dance at the right time. Just lovely. I do love a quickstep to traditional music. Nice to see his acting, as well as his dancing.” MartGray says: “Wonderful characterisation from George. I loved his pendulum. Overall this was a lovely soufflé of a dance.” ladyglencora adds: “LOVED that quickstep. Perfect choice of music, great styling, frame and footwork. George really coming into his own.” 8.31pm GMT Readers’ verdicts are in Time for a rapid-fire round-up of your comments. On Alex Kingston, G1adys says: “Cha cha cha and first dance - could put Alex in danger tonight.” JoMK73 says: “Oh no. The best thing I noticed about Alex’s dance is that Shirley’s hair looks great. Alex hasn’t collapsed in tears, for which huge respect because she is a grown-up.” VirgilHilts says: “I can’t remember the last time a dance was so bad that the camera cut away to the judges. Poor Alex but it was mince.” Somersetlass says: “Oh Alex, what happened there? I heard she was injured last week - maybe that threw her? What a shame.” Lidoswimmer says: “Alex seems a bit hesitant on the floor. Is it true she’s cracked a rib? I’ve been voting Alex every week but fear we might see that again ‘tomorrow’.” Phoebe adds: “I have a horrible feeling that Alex is injured and may wish to pull out. But just in case she is just having a bad evening, I shall give her my votes in the hope that she is ok and able to stay.” 8.21pm GMT Grab those Golden Glitterballs Let’s open some gold lamé envelopes with our trembling fingers. Here are this week’s lucky recipients of our coveted liveblog gongs… Best dance: Lewis Cope delivered a pair of corkers – first that rumba, then that impeovised insta-jive. But for sheer joy, Karen Carney’s Couple’s Choice claims the prize. Worst dance: Alex Kingston’s cha-cha dis-ah-ster. Her race looks run. Best music choice: Dave Arch did well with Proud Mary. Worst music choice: Ring My Bell fell flat. And George Clarke never having heard of Prince was a worry. Kids, eh? Best outfit: Katya’s rumba dress. Amber chose well with that little red frock for her insta-samba. Julian’s jiving lifeguard also attracted some admirers. Ahem. Worst outfit: Nikita’s ruffled lobster. Best VT: Karen Carney’s tribute to her inspirational mother and revealing how Strictly had helped rebuild her confidence after online abuse. Those heart-hands to her mum at the end of the dance ended me. Worst VT: George and Alexis tucking into sweet potato and marshmallow for Thanksgiving. A culinary hate crime. Best judges’ comment: “Love what you’ve done with your outfit,” said Anton to his tuxedo-clad lookalike George. Best Claudia quip: She was hilarious throughout the Instant Dance insanity but loved her telling tearful Carlos: “Wipe your nose on my sleeve. It’s not mine, it’s borrowed.” Updated at 8.42pm GMT 8.18pm GMT Huge thanks to all of you who’ve already bought, read or said nice things about it in the comments section (it truly means a lot) but a quick public service announcement. This is the last weekend to snap up my debut novel The Dogwalkers’ Detective Agency on e-book for a wag-ulous reduced price of 99p. It’s also out in paperback and audiobook, if that’s more your “bag”. Thanksalotloveyoubye *runs away in pink ruffles*. 8.16pm GMT Sandi come railing TV viewers can stay on BBC1 for Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel or flip to ITV1 for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. At 8.30pm, it’s the rather lovely Sandi Toksvig’s Great Riviera Rail Trip on Channel 4. Later on, there’s Greatest Basslines (9pm on Sky Arts), I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! (9pm on ITV1), Wild Cherry (9.10pm on BBC1), the finale of Alan Carr’s Changing Ends (10.05pm on ITV1) or more Embarrassing TV Moments (10.35pm on Channel 5). If you’re in the market for Saturday night at the movies, tonight’s picks are Die Hard (9pm on Film4), Breathless (9pm on Talking Pictures), Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves (9pm on Great TV) and Apocalypse Now: The Final Cut (11.40pm on Film4). Cancel the kitchen scraps for lepers and orphans. No more merciful beheadings. And call off Christmas! 8.15pm GMT That leaderboard in full With two weeks of combined scores and their Instant Dance bonus points added together, Lewis Cope tops the standings, with Karen Carney and Amber Davies tied in second spot. Alex Kingston is down the bottom, with Balvinder Sopal just above. As always, though, the viewer vote helps decide the dance-off duos. Mid-table George Clarke also faces a nervous wait. 8.12pm GMT Bev from Crete writes... An email just in from the Greek island, excitingly. Surely they have to give the presenters job to Nikita after that? The boy’s a natural! 8.09pm GMT Credits roll “Keeeeeep dancing!” chorus Tess and Claud. As everyone asks to do an Instant Dance challenge every week, just for the lolz, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments. 8.08pm GMT The casting vote goes to… This week, the deciding vote in the dance-off goes to… Shirley Ballas! One day, this gimmick will pay dividends. Probably. 8.07pm GMT Tonight’s action rewound Tonight’s super six routines, minus the Instant Dance pandemonium, get recapped on-screen. Which nifty movers will get your vote? Which shifty groovers definitely won’t? 8.06pm GMT And the vote is… dramatic pause for effect… open! Voting is declared open for democratic business. Online-only, of course. Phonelines? Pipe down, grandad. The usual fancy-dressed farrago follows but with a mildly hysterical edge. 8.05pm GMT Instant Dance results are in Pick the bones out of that. After the judges confer and squint at their scrawled notes, we have our not-very-instant results. Lewis Cope wins and scores the full six points. Balvinder Sopal is a worthy runner-up with five points. Amber Davies is in third spot with four points. Alex Kingston scores three points and George Clarke gets two (“messed up but cute”). Poor Karen Carney brings up the rear in sixth and last position, getting just one extra point. Shirley’s mic malfunctions, making it slightly more awkward. 8.03pm GMT “Let’s have a quick reminder of what just happened,” says Tess. Frankly, we need it. It was like a fever dream. 8.02pm GMT “How extraordinary have our couples been,” asks Claudia? Anton wants to scrap the whole week of training and do this every week. 8.01pm GMT Amber and Nikita go last Their samba is somewhat overshadowed by Nikita’s costume, then it’s into some shimmies and a highly respectable insta-samba. Amazing finish in the splits. This is demented fun. 7.59pm GMT Kaz and Carlos go next They cha-cha in matching gold outfits. Loads of spinning and disco strutting. They really are making it up as they go along. Sweet. Updated at 8.43pm GMT 7.58pm GMT Balvinder and Jules' paso “You do the skirt thing, I’ll slide to you, then we’ll do the walk,” he tells her. And so they do. Brilliantly. Updated at 8.43pm GMT 7.57pm GMT “I want to instant dance always,” says Claudia, doing a we’re-not-worthy bow. 7.57pm GMT Lewis and Katya insta-dance! Awkward clapping to start, then woof! Straight into a speed and superb jive. Ends on a forward roll. We might have our winner so far. Updated at 8.43pm GMT 7.56pm GMT George and Alexis next up He should take that coat off, he won’t feel the benefit. She makes him take his coat off immediately and tell him to “fly like a squirrel”. Interesting. But again, they’re impressive. He stumbles and laughs, then does a spinning lift and leaves her on the floor. Updated at 8.45pm GMT 7.54pm GMT It's time to Instant Dance Forty seconds per couple. Alex and Jojo take to the floor, have 10 seconds to discuss their rumba, then slip into a rather lovely little rumba. Rising to the occasion wonderfully. A little wobbly but wow. Updated at 8.16pm GMT 7.52pm GMT Claudia is wearing a hat covered in fruit, like the Queen Mum at Ascot. Demob happy. “It’s quite fun in there,” she says. 7.51pm GMT “You’ve won all the awards,” Claud tells Nikita. “You shouldn’t even have to dance.” 7.50pm GMT George has “a penguiny dance”, says Claud. In a red fur coat. Normal. Nikita is in some sort of pink ruffled creation. This is BONKERS. 7.48pm GMT Claudia clop-clops across the dancefloor with an outfit for Craig. This is like a choreographic Crackerjack. 7.47pm GMT Amber and Nikita get the samba to Shakira Karen and Carlos are doing a cha-cha to Beggin’ to Maneskin. Phew. That was A LOT. Updated at 7.48pm GMT 7.45pm GMT Balvinder and Julian get the paso doble To the Animals’ Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood. 7.44pm GMT Lewis and Katya pick the jive Their week one dance. Lewis can’t remember it. But hey, it’s to Wham! Wake Me Up Before You Go Go. Tune. 7.43pm GMT George and Alexis get the tango Set to Prince’s When Doves Cry. George has “never heard it in my life”. A dance-off offence in my book. 7.42pm GMT Alex and Johannes first up They get the rumba to Show Me Heaven by Maria McKee. Fifteen seconds to choose their clothes! Claudia is their shop assistant. It’s all a bit It’s A Knockout. Updated at 7.46pm GMT 7.41pm GMT “It’s going to be an absolute dis-ah-ster,” says Craig with relish. “Or it could be fab-u-lous.” Updated at 7.49pm GMT 7.40pm GMT Buckle up for the Instant Dance Challenge Right, this should be entertainingly shambolic. Each couple will now pick a dance style at random from routines they’ve learnt in the contest so far. They must then pick their costumes, change and will have just 10 seconds on the countdown clock to decide how they’re going to dance it. Some might try to remember the original choreography. Others might improvise. The judges will rank them, awarding from one to six bonus points, which could reshuffle the scoreboard. It could also, of course, be total lindyhopathon-style mayhem. Deep breaths. iPads and sparkly notebooks ready. Let’s do this. 7.39pm GMT “Everybody else is ready for a spa break and you have to join them,” says Claudia, ushering them away to get into their dressing gowns. 7.37pm GMT Judges’ scores: 10, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 40 points. Joint second on the combined scoreboard but still the Instant Dance to go. All the others are in natty black Strictly gowns, ready for a quick change. Updated at 9.10pm GMT 7.36pm GMT Judges’ comments: Shirley says “I’m speechless, stretched to the end of the best, did a difficult tollgate move, outstanding and sensational”. Anton says “just brilliant”. Craig says “now for the truth, darling – fab-u-lous!”. Motsi concludes “you kept control, tight and reenergised, keep rolling”. Could we be about to see another 40? 7.33pm GMT Amber and Nikita’s jive Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin still haven’t been scored a 10 by Craig or Shirley. They’re trying again with another fast-paced number, following last week’s Blackpool quickstep. Slowburning start, then they explode into action. Bright as a button with bags of energy, sharp feet and fast legs. Her weight is nicely forward with her fringed coral dress emphasising the speed of the dance. Flicks and kicks, twists, twirls and body ripples. A powerful, jam-packed jive. Also an audition for the Tina musical. Song: Proud Mary by Tina Turner. Originally by Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1969, it was covered by Ike and Tina Turner two years later, later becoming one of Tina’s signature songs. Alexandra Burke jived to it in 2017, scoring 39 points and going one better when she reprised it in the final. No pressure. Updated at 7.44pm GMT 7.29pm GMT The first ever 40 for both of them. Claudia reassures everyone that Carlos is fine and they’re happy tears. “Hold him,” she adds. 7.28pm GMT Judges’ scores: 10, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 40 points. Get in. Top of the pops and after last week’s 39, she’s in quite the vein of form. Carlos is tearful, too. “She loves dancing more than me,” he sobs. Updated at 9.03pm GMT 7.26pm GMT Judges’ comments: Karen is emotional. A rousing reception in the studio. Craig says “that dance just got you in the Champions Leauge, darling”. Motsi says “girl, honestly, this was a step up, this was everything, knocked it out of the park”. Shirley says “you’re in with a shot at the whole thing, progressing fast and outstanding, Carlos, you’ve made her a beautiful dancer”.Anton concludes “a celebration of your story, a-may-zing”. Could a perfect 40 be incoming? Updated at 7.30pm GMT 7.23pm GMT Karen and Carlos’ Couple’s Choice Their Blackpool paso doble raised the Tower Ballroom roof and scored a near-perfect 39 points. Can former Lioness Karen Carney tempt out Craig’s lesser-spotted 10 paddle now? Partner Carlos Gu is pushing her hard, with their sights set on the final. The song means a lot to Kaz as an anthem of self-acceptance. Its opening line, “My mama told me when I was young, we are all born superstars”, resonates with her own mum’s support of her early footballing career. Graphic outfits with braces and brogues. They worked with choreographer Jake Leigh on this routine and are throwing everything at it: street-commercial, hip-hop, moonwalks, body-popping, breaking, Charleston, a spot of cane-orgaphy. Letting loose with a sense of freedom and self-expression. Out of sync in places but singing along, endless energy and this joyous. Song: Born This Way by Lady Gaga. She described her 2011 hit as her “this-is-who-the-fuck-I-am anthem” and emerged from a giant egg to perform it at the Grammys, as you do. Updated at 9.02pm GMT 7.18pm GMT Judges’ scores: 7, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 28 points. A bit harsh? Bal had a busy week on EastEnders which limited her training time but was reluctant to use that as an excuse, which is admirable. 7.16pm GMT Judges’ comments: Anton says “super apart from the mistakes, hesitancy in the legs but so much to like”. Craig says “a bit stompy and too turned-in but timing good and loved the way you presented it, Julian darling, that wasd the best opening I’ve had the pleasure to see”. Motsi says “some strong bits but weak parts too”. Shirley concludes “outstanding kicks and flicks, made mistakes but an exciting number, the best swivels and you sold it well”. “It’s alright, I’ll come back and do it again in the dance-off,” says Bal wryly. Sevens and eights, are we saying? Updated at 7.16pm GMT 7.12pm GMT Balvinder and Julian’s jive EastEnders actor Balvinder Sopal finished bottom of the Blackpool leaderboard, so might need miracles to escape her fifth dance-off. She’s the only remaining celebrity who hasn’t received a 10. She’s been worried about the pace of the jive but her Charleston in week two was a showstopper, which is a promising sign. Lifeguard theme and a lot of messin’ abaht to start. The jive is her pro partner Julian Caillon’s favourite and his choreography is mixing in plenty of swing, lindyhop and jitterbug. Not to mention a spectacular leapfrog over Bal’s head. Kicks, flicks, tricks and cute storytelling, but bounce and sharpness lacking at points. Too much walking about from Bal. He’s leading her beautifully. Energy flags towards the end but a fun routine with a retro feel. Song: Right Back Where We Started From by Maxine Nightingale. The 1975 funk hit was covered by Sinitta in 1989. Co-writers Pierre Tubbs and J Vincent Edweards came up with it while driving to Charing Cross Updated at 9.07pm GMT 7.08pm GMT Judges’ scores: 9, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 36 points. Top at the halfway point. 7.06pm GMT Judges’ comments: Shirley says “Katya took the choreography to a new level, great dynamics, needed more fluidity but loved the chemistry and narrative”. Anton says “lyrical and super, got tight in boy and lacked al ittle romance but I’m nitpicking, you’re such a talent”. Craig says “hips lacked fluidity and resistance in hold was missing but artistry flair, full of emotion, loved it”. Motsi concludes “loved the storytelling, keep doing what you do, such a strong couple”. Nines all round? 7.03pm GMT Lewis and Katya’s rumba Actor Lewis Cope and pro partner Katya Jones notched their second perfect 40 of the series in Blackpool – the earliest someone has scored two maximums. Now for a major gear change as they slow it right down. Lewis might be the highest scoring celebrity in the contest but he’s yet to receive a 10 from Shirley for Latin. Can the notoriously tricky rumba do the trick? Start with some floor work, then into the an emotive and exposing number. His continuous motion and weight transference is strong. Rhythmic, getting the basics right and leading powerfully. Perhaps not quite earthy and grounded enough but sensual and expressive. Copious spins. Lifts, drops and tricks. A sizzler. Song: Falling by Harry Styles. The 2020 pop-soul piano ballad, co-written and produced by Harry’s long-time collaborator Kid Harpoon, was created by the pair in an hour. It’s been covered by his fellow X Factor alumni Little Mix, as well as Kelly Clarkson and Gabrielle. Updated at 9.04pm GMT 6.58pm GMT Judges’ scores: 8, 8, 9, 9 for a total of 34 points. Updated at 9.09pm GMT 6.57pm GMT Judges’ comments: Anton says “a bit of me, great musicality, I didn’t see any mistakes, clean and terrific”. Craig says “apart form that little mess-up it lacked a little drive and movement around the floor but full of style and class, you are joyous to watch”. Motsi says “you’re ready to take the next step up, well rehearsed and controlled, great energy”. Shirley concludes “one tiny hiccup but great footwork, impressed by your toes and knees, outstanding”. Seven from Craig, maybe eights and nines elsewhere, are we saying? 6.53pm GMT George and Alexis’ quickstep Content creator™ George Clarke came out of his shell for his show-closing Blackpool salsa and duly scored his first 10s. Now he’s got a classic ballroom dance to a traditional tune. Red carpet theme. Fast footwork while keeping his frame calm and strong. Staying in sync with pro partner Alexis Warr as they fly across the floor. A bit of gapping in the promenades but elegant and energetic. Charleston flicks and kicks. A dose of jazzy Hollywood glamour from “Team Warke”. High kicks to finish. Big smiles, bags of style, splendid. Song: I Get a Kick Out of You by Frank Sinatra. Cole Porter’s 1934 song for Broadway musical Anything Goes. The line “Some like the perfume from Spain” was a late change for the film version. It was originally “Some get a kick from cocaine” but this was banned under the Hollywood Production Code. Updated at 9.08pm GMT 6.48pm GMT Judges’ scores: 4, 6, 6, 7 for a total of 23 points. Alex admits her 62-year-old body is suffering. At some length, bless her. Dance-off danger. 6.46pm GMT Judges’ comments: Motsi says “quite a few mistakes which I can’t overlook but loved your groove and leg action”. Shirley says “leg action exceptional but got off on the wrong foot and it carried on, not your night”. Anton says “good effort, you bring great quality, posture and leg action but mixed it up by doing different choreography to your partner”. A freshly shorn Craig concludes “sadly it really was two dances, you lost it and got out of time, it got worse throughout the dance but I loved the posh cha-cha”. A five and three sixes, do we think? Updated at 7.39pm GMT 6.43pm GMT Alex and Jojo’s cha cha cha Their theatre-jazz Couple’s Choice in Blackpool left them a surprise second from bottom on the leaderboard, so actor Alex Kingston and pro partner Johannes Radebe are aware they need a solid performance to increase their chances of safety. Way back in week four, she got the earliest ever 10s for a rumba. Now can she translate that leg action to the faster cha cha? She’s joked this week that she feels like a Christmas turkey in the bum-back-body-forward posture. She’s wearing half a glitterball on her head. Some hesitant footwork early on. A little safe and stilted. She’s concentrating so hard on the technique, she’s lacking her usual performance levels. Over the the judges’ table for some wiggling and things pick up. Suddenly she’s bringing the fun with flexible hips and plenty of disco strut. Too little too late? Song: Ring My Bell by Anita Ward. The 1979 disco banger was originally written for child star Stacy Lattisaw as a teenybopper number about schoolgirls talking on the telephone. R&B diva Ward made it more flirty and suggestive. Updated at 9.12pm GMT 6.39pm GMT Our Strictly stars™ Our six pro-celebrity pairings come out for their staircase wave. Jojo’s working a 70s disco ‘fro. 6.38pm GMT Paddle-raising panel in the house The judgely quartet sashay into view, having swapped their seaside finery for Elstree eveningwear. Motsi Mabuse looks fab-u-lous in red and Shirley Ballas has a massive Bacofoil ruffle thingy. Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood in the usual tuxedos. 6.37pm GMT Frockwatch Here come our autocue queens, so time for the traditional couture comparison. Tess Daly is in a white trouser suit. Claudia Winkleman is in a green velvet tuxedo suit. Sklifghtly matchy-matchy, slighty Traitors. *Marcus Bentley from Big Brother voice* Who wins? You decide! 6.36pm GMT Cue clap-along credits Precisely 60 per cent of these pairs have now departed the dancefloor. Remember Ross King and Tommy Bosh? Seems like years ago. 6.35pm GMT Aaand we’re off! Roll the customary dramatic pre-credits montage. 6.33pm GMT Refresh your fizzy libations and plump your sparkly cushions. We’re about to be beamed live to the Elstree Studios ballroom… 6.30pm GMT Alan Carr’s Numberwang just concluding on BBC1. Will this nice couple win the £10,000 jackpot? Will the host start nervously guzzling rosé and randomly murdering people in plain sight? Oh Alan, you are awful. But we like you. 6.30pm GMT La Voix will sashay back for live tour The drag queen might have been forced out of the contest through injury but it’s been announced that La Voix will make a comeback in the New Year for the annual arena tour, reuniting with professional partner Aljaž Škorjanec. The only other celebrity so far confirmed to be joining her is Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, aka Nitro from Gladiators. The Strictly tour kicks off at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on 23rd January 2026. A mere five minutes to wait now… 6.25pm GMT On your dance cards tonight Low on traditional numbers tonight, I’m sorry to say. Instead we’ll get a battle of the jives between Balvinder Sopal and Amber Davies, plus a rumba, a cha-cha and a Couple’s Choice. Just George Clarke’s quickstep flies the flag for ballroom. It’s 10 minutes until the glitterball starts spinning… 6.22pm GMT Eyes down for Strictly Bingo! Cross them off as you spot them on-screen! Take a drink for each! End up dancing around the kitchen in your own personal Instant Dance challenge! Here’s your 10-point spotter’s checklist for tonight’s show: Hosts make intriguingly juicy comment about wild post-show party in Blackpool Instant Dance Challenge turns out to be utterly confusing and total chaos Anton says “That’s the sort of number I’d like to have danced” Misty-eyed reference to Blackpool’s “special atmosphere”, “sprung floor” or “iconic” Tower Ballroom Shirley Ballas thanks a couple for “opening our show” or “closing our show” Claudia refers to Lewis Cope’s hundreds of siblings taking it in turns to be in the studio audience Judgely bafflement over how to critique and mark a Couple’s Choice Mention of a post-Blackpool dip or couples being tired 10 weeks into the contest Shot of Alex Kingston’s dog Wolfie in fancy dress Claudia makes knowing nod to the lindyhop-athon meltdown of 2018 Updated at 6.31pm GMT 6.20pm GMT Christmas special line-up complete Elsewhere in glitterball news, the celebrity contestants for this year’s festive special have all been confirmed. Westlife’s Brian McFadden, All Saints’ Melanie Blatt, Gogglebox’s Scarlett Moffatt, Gladiators’ Jodie Ounsley, EastEnders’ Nicholas Bailey and comedian Babatunde Aléshé will all take to the dancefloor at teatime on Christmas Day. The Strictly casting department have clearly been watching Boybands Forever and Girlbands Forever on BBC Two. Fifteen minutes until that ba-ba-da theme tune… 6.15pm GMT Back to business in the usual ballroom Due to a rare elimination-free weekend, everyone made it past the Blackpool milestone and now returns to the familiar Elstree Studios ballroom. No backing dancers. No sprung floor. Nowhere to hide from the judges, who will be looking closely at technique with the quarter-final beckoning. And then comes the extra pressure of the Instant Dance challenge. Gulp. It’s 20 minutes until the clock strikes sequins… 6.10pm GMT Soapy Sopal is strong favourite for exit Having already been subjected to four dance-offs, EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal is bookies’ odds-on tip for elimination yet again this weekend. Remember, nobody has ever survived a fifth. Alex Kingston is second favourite, with Amber Davies in third. Can the resilient Bal bounce back and defy the odds again? It’s 25 minutes until the sparkly curtain comes up… 6.05pm GMT Stand by for the inaugural Instant Dance challenge After their regular routines, tonight sees Strictly’s first ever Instant Dance challenge. In this time-pressured plot twist, each couple will pick a dance style at random from ones they have learnt in the competition so far. They will then be played their accompanying music and - after a frantic dash through wardrobe to select and change into their costumes - they will have just 10 seconds on the countdown clock to decide exactly how they’re going to dance it. Will they try to remember the original choreography or will they improvise? The judges will mark them from one to six points, which could shake up the leaderboard and change the standings. It could also be total chaos and I’m here for it. Hopefully it will go rather more smoothly than the notorious lindyhop-athon of 2018, when the judges got themselves in a tangle and Claudia Winkleman had to step in. Who can deliver when it counts? We’ll get our first clues in half-an-hour… 5.59pm GMT Can our couples shake off their Blackpool hangovers? They’ve waved off La Voix and danced back down the M6. Now it’s a homecoming show for our hoofers. However, one couple is about to fall short of the quarter-final and miss out on Musicals Week. Good evening and welcome to week 10 (yes, we’re into double figures) of Strictly Come Dancing 2025. I’m Michael, your twinkle-toed typist for tonight’s live show. I’d love you to watch along with me as our six surviving couples return to the Elstree Studios ballroom. They will also tackle Strictly’s first ever Instant Dance Challenge in their bid to make it through to next week’s themed quarter-final. Last weekend’s annual trip north to the Tower Ballroom was a strange but celebratory one. It began with the sad news that La Voix was forced to withdraw from the competition with her foot injury, so nobody would be eliminated. A giddy night of high scoring ensued, with another perfect 40 for Lewis Cope, while Karen Carney and George Clarke notched 39 points apiece. Our six remaining pro-celebrity pairings now return to the familiar surroundings of the Elstree Studios ballroom - with extra points up for grabs in the never-seen-before Instant Dance climax. More on that in a moment. Tonight’s scores and public vote will be combined with last week’s, before the bottom two will dance again for survival on Sunday night. Balvinder Sopal is bookies odds-on favourite for elimination (again), followed by Alex Kingston. It’s showtime at 6.35pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6.05pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and glitter-encrusted gags. So close the curtains on the wind, rain and Budget bores 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 at your dance disposal. I’ll rumba-walk down there whenever I can to peek at what you’re all saying and report your reactions up top. It’s week 10, so let’s do this again. Nearly time to staaaart instant dancing!