Strictly Come Dancing: week 11 results – live

Strictly Come Dancing: week 11 results – live

8.59pm GMT Finally, jagadox says: “To me, Lewis’ number embodied the spirit of the musical more but in dance terms, Amber was better.” emilyscatnaps adds: “Meanwhile, tonight’s the night Amber realises that no matter how good she is, she won’t be getting her hands on that glitterball…” 8.58pm GMT On Lewis Cope, EastofStratford says: “I loved the West Side story tribute.

In my mind, it referenced the original better and truly represented the spirit of the musical.” DancingMom says: “Talk about a shocking results show.

I have enjoyed Lewis and Katya’s partnership soooooo much.

I absolutely did not see this coming.

Best of luck in everything you do in the future, Lewis.

You are an amazing superstar.

Well done.” Vicc says: “Oh, Katya is in bits, isn’t she?

Lewis: what is life without people?

Oh he is lovely isn’t he?

I’m very sorry You

I’m very sorry he’s gone.” emilyscatnaps adds: “Oh Lewis, you have been such a fantastic sleb to come in, and I don’t care about your previous dance experience because you’ve come across as a lovely young man and you’ve been wonderful to watch!

You will now join the saddest of alumni, with your own special tagline: #justiceforLewis.” ReclinedPotato says: “Gutted for Lewis and Katya.

He’s been a joy.

There wasn’t really anyway his complex and challenging routine with its jarring soundtrack was going to beat a showstopping piece that is part of popular culture.

How many more weeks of Amber’s legs akimbo must we suffer now?” SnailyWhaley says: “I do feel for Katya.

Her choreography is usually so brilliant.

Don’t think that salsa quite hit the mark, though.” rosybeeme adds: “Bloody hell, wot just happened?

Lewis woz robbed!” Updated at 8.58pm GMT 8.54pm GMT joanieloves says: “If George does The Inbetweeners dance next week, I will vote for him.” 8.54pm GMT On the Titanique performance, irenehandal says: “Is this a joke?

Really?

I keep thinking Dear

I keep thinking of the Simpsons parody of Planet of the Apes.

Dear god!” NaturePics says: “Seems everyone has headed over to the London Titanique website.

Slow spinning disk of doom.” MikeMoonlight says: “That wasn’t so much Celine Dion, more like Sealink Dion.” shazza2704 adds: “Can the iceberg please get a move on?” 8.52pm GMT TiggyStardust says: “So surprised that anyone with a 40 could end up in the dance-off.

Whoever goes, the competition will be the poorer for it.” pubbore says: “The one thing this isn’t is a shock.

It’s a long tradition that the ringers don’t play well with the Great British Public, so these two were always likely to be the bottom two.

With the judges’ scores the way they were, this outcome was probable, if not inevitable.” Jockette61 says: “OMG, I am SHOCKED.

Unless Amber falls over, they have to put her through.

Lewis, whilst more experienced than the successful semi-finalists, is such a joy to watch, and unlike Amber, he is very likeable.

I so wanted him in the final, even knowing he wouldn’t get the public votes to win.

Bah!” Strictlylounging adds: Proper

Bah!” Strictlylounging adds: “As much as I don’t want Lewis to be in the dance-off, I am so pleased that the three least experienced dancers are through.” 8.50pm GMT On tonight’s pro dance, Gardener_Maidhc says: “That was a nice treat for the eyes from the pros.

Proper filth.” hazelw says: “Well, they have completely bowdlerised the lyrics.

I suppose it is a bit dark for pre-watershed) but they could have picked another song.” Girlpanic says: “I did wonder how they would get away with doing the Cell Block Tango for a family audience.

Now I know.

Very edited lyrics!

Still a fabulous dance number though.” fihema says: “Sanitised Chicago feels a bit odd, but great to see Amy, and the dancing is spectacular.

Janette played the lead in the stage version.

I’m half-expecting her to appear.” Sebnose adds: “If you listen carefully, you can hear Mary Whitehouse rotating in her grave.” 8.48pm GMT On Karen Carney, Strictlylounging says: “Oh yay!

Karen!

We’re in for Really

We’re in for a shock dance-off aren’t we?!

Really don’t want Lewis to go, but sad to see any of them go now.” Gardener_Maidhc adds: “This is what happens when the judges mark so close and it is just public support to get people through.

Balvinder was helped by having the most trad Strictly dance and Karen has a lot of public support.

If we lose Lewis or Amber tonight, I will be annoyed as they are great dancers but even George would be a loss.” 8.47pm GMT Readers’ verdicts are in A swift round-up of your Musicals Week musings.

On Balvinder Sopal, Toesturnedin says: “Aww, bloody lovely.

WELL DONE Balvinder!!!

Swoon.

I’m choked.” Haigin88 says: “Balvinder shows that people are more in love with those who improve over time than those who started fantastically.” fihema adds: “That comment by Anton about whoever’s in the dance-off being lucky not to come up against Balvinder has to be the judges’ comment of the season.

Always look on the bright side, tra la.” 8.45pm GMT From salsas to Sea Devils TV viewers can now stay on BBC1 for new Doctor Who spin-off The War Between The Land & The Sea or flip to Channel 4 for Game Of Wool: Britain’s Best Knitter.

At 9pm, it’s on

At 9pm, it’s the final of I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!

on ITV1 .

At 9.30, there’s Apollo 1: Destination Moon on Channel 4 Tonight’s film picks?

Glad you asked.

I’d say 50 First Dates (9pm on Comedy Central), Body Double (9.45pm on Talking Pictures) and Sicario (10pm on BBC2).

Imagine having to win over the girl of your dreams...

every friggin’ day!

8.44pm GMT Final four will be fascinating to watch Amber Davies pulled ahead of the pack with that perfect 40 but only one point separated the other couples on the judges’ scoreboard.

That meant this was probably the hardest dance-off to predict so far.

The contest’s two It

The contest’s two top scorers ended up scrapping for survival.

It leaves things intriguingly poised for the semi-final.

As veterans of five and two dance-offs respectively, we might well expect it to be Balvinder vs Amber next week.

George Clarke and Karen Carney are bookies’ hot tips for the final but any three from four could yet go all the way.

Expect more twists and turns on the road to glitterball glory.

8.42pm GMT Katya cruelly denied another final In her 10th year on the show, St Petersburg-born Katya Jones must have smelled her second glitterball trophy.

She lifted the ballroom bauble with Joe McFadden in 2017 but has since tended to make a mid-series exit.

The closest she came was the semi-final two years ago with Nigel Harman.

Her Strictly CV has become almost as notable for tabloid scandals – see snog-gate with Seann Walsh and “Grope Compare”-gate with Wynne Evans last year – as it was for hoofing.

A shame because She

A shame because Katya is a firecracker dancer and perhaps the most creative choreographer among the pro troupe.

She visibly relished having a partner who could keep up with her, throwing all manner of lifts and tricks into routines, knowing Lewis Cope could, well, cope.

Ultimately, they were a little too good.

A combination of ringer rumblings and an iffy, ill-conceived salsa put paid to their hopes.

The ferociously competitive Katya had a good run and hid her disappointment well but she’ll be gutted.

She’s a huge asset to the show and will go for it again next year.

8.40pm GMT Ballroom Bal waltzed clear of danger She might have outlasted a far superior dancer in Lewis Cope but it’s hard not to be thrilled for EastEnders actor Balvinder Sopal and her pro partner Julian Caillon.

The adorable couple have already survived five dance-offs – the most in Strictly history – and were fully resigned to competing in a sixth.

Yet they notched their highest score yet for their Greatest Showman-themed Viennese waltz and got enough public support to dodge a sixth dance-off.

It was Balvinder’s What

It was Balvinder’s 47th birthday this week.

What a week to be spared and talk about the perfect gift.

She first landed in the bottom two way back in Movie Week.

The fact that she’s a semi-finalist eight weeks later is one of Strictly’s great survival stories.

I just fear for her next week.

Learning two full new routines tends to favour younger, fitter celebrities.

Bal will be up against a sporting hero and two twentysomethings.

But hey, if anyone can defy expectations, it’s the comeback queen.

8.37pm GMT Viewer doubts still linger over Amber Among the many beauties of Strictly is that those with prior dance experience never win.

Viewers and judges We

Viewers and judges enjoy watching high-quality hoofing but the public’s sense of fairness kicks in.

We ultimately prefer a journey, an improvement, a human story of hard work and self-discovery through dance.

So it was that we ended up with this year’s two so-called ringers in the penultimate dance-off of the series.

Amber Davies topped the scores with her showstopping 40-point Charleston – her second maximum in a row – but must have received very few viewer votes to tumble into the bottom two.

It was significant that her first dance-off in six weeks came in Musicals Week, since her day job is on the West End stage.

How ironic it would’ve been if she went out on her dream theme.

She saw off Lewis Cope pretty comfortably – that five-point deficit was too big to make up and it was a unanimous call by the judges – but Amber can probably expect to dance for survival again next time.

As well as grumbles about her stage musical background, many fans have found her hard to warm to.

As the highest scorer remaining in the contest, the question is whether anyone can beat her in a dance-off.

If she’s up 8.35pm

If she’s up against a fan favourite like George Clarke or Karen Carney, the judges could have a tough decision to make this time next week.

8.35pm GMT One bad week meant Lewis left too early Who had Lewis Cope on their dance card to depart this week?

Precisely nobody, I’d imagine.

Yet the Hartlepool powerhouse bows out of the ballroom a fortnight before the final.

It feels like a loss to us all, since his dancing was always thrilling to watch.

It won’t just be his huge Hartlepool family who’ll feel a little deflated tonight.

A stage school background and a teen role in the Billy Elliot musical might have made Lewis a ringer in many eyes but as he politely pointed out, he hadn’t danced for more than a decade before signing up and received no professional training.

His likeability, modesty and hard work ethic meant any such gripes were soon forgotten by most.

“You’re very good, darling,” said Craig Revel Horwood when Lewis flew out of the blocks with a week one jive.

His lowest score Lewis

His lowest score for four weeks came at the wrong time.

Lewis is far too lovely to point fingers but if anything was to blame, it was that messy, confused choreography in his West Side Story salsa.

He got lost amid the backing dancers, spent too much time running around to showcase proper salsa technique and was duly criticised by the judges.

Although three nines and a total of 35 points isn’t to be sniffed at, it left him joint second bottom on the scoreboard and in a vulnerable position.

Over the past 11 weeks, he’s had almost too many highlights to mention.

However, his Zorro paso doble in Movie Week, his Johnny Cash quickstep in Icons Week, his spectacular Couple’s Choice for Halloween and his stunning Charleston in Blackpool were all routines for the ages.

After the opening two weeks, his scores never dropped below 34 and included two perfect 40s.

He topped the standings five times and was the highest overall scorer in the contest until overtaken by Amber Davies last night.

Lewis looked so at home on the dancefloor that it was easy to forget he was a late replacement, stepping in for Kristian “Hodor” Nairn shortly before the series began.

For a while, If

For a while, it looked like he might become the second super-sub Emmerdale actor to triumph after Kelvin Fletcher lifted the 2019 glitterball If anything, his dances tended to end up a bit samey – all power, lifts, leaps and spins.

If there was anything missing, it was a little refinement and attention to technical detail.

The judges tended to pick him up on this, simply because he was so close to perfection most of the time, like Strictly’s own Patrick Swayze.

He even had the vest and hair to match.

Nobody puts Lewis in the corner.

At least, not until tonight.

His shock exit leaves George Clarke as the last male celebrity standing.

Meanwhile, Lewis goes down in Strictly history alongside Danny Mac and Layton Williams as one of the best male celebrities who didn’t win.

Not even making the semi-final feels even more unjust.

A shame because Auf

A shame because I would have loved to see his showdance.

Auf wiedersehen, pet.

See you on the West End stage soon.

8.29pm GMT Lewis and Katya’s last dance As the departing pair take a final twirl around the floor to Tomorrow from Annie, the credits roll and their castmates descend for consoling cuddles.

Please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.

8.28pm GMT When asked by Tess about the support he’s had, Lewis adds: “It’s everything, isn’t it?

What is life without people?

And this show, I’ve seen how it’s brought people together, not just in my family, but it seems to lift people up.

And it’s definitely brought my family, four generations, together every Saturday night – my Nana Dot sitting there smiling all the time.

Young boys who They’ve

Young boys who thought that dancing wasn’t accessible for them.

They’ve started dancing now and have sent us videos.

If you can change one person’s life like that, then that’s enough.” Perfectly put, sir.

8.27pm GMT Katya returns the compliment Lewis’ pro partner Katya Jones says about their partnership: “I think you have created so many moments for Strictly Come Dancing that will be in the history books and you will be remembered as one of, if not, the best male celebrity we’ve ever had on the show.

But also you will be remembered for being an incredible person you are.

Kind and genuine people still exist.

What a gentleman you are, so humble and so kind.

And I’m so glad that we had a chance to see you and showcase your talent and what a beautiful person you are to the world.

Thank you.” 8.26pm GMT It’s a fair Cope, guv In his exit interview with Tess Daly, Lewis says: “It’s been more than I could have ever wished for.

If someone would So

If someone would have said that I’d have done 11 weeks on the show at the beginning, I’d have been over the moon and snap their hand off.

So thank you to the full show, to everyone for having a space where people can be themselves, grow, learn, express themselves.

It’s been incredible and a memory that I’ll have for the rest of my life, and [to Katya] I think it’s all down to you.

You’ve literally given me absolutely everything I could wish for as a friend, as a teacher, and yeah, I couldn’t imagine it with anybody else.

So, thank you very much.” Well said, canny lad.

8.25pm GMT Motsi Mabuse agrees Yep, it’s unanimous.

Motsi’s casting vote isn’t needed but she would also have saved Amber and Nikita.

8.25pm GMT Lewis Cope is eliminated It’s official.

Lewis becomes the 11th celebrity to depart the Strictly 2025 dancefloor.

A drink-dropper. 8.25pm GMT

A drink-dropper.

8.25pm GMT Craig Revel Horwood chooses to save… Amber and Nikita, saying “it was the better dance on the night”.

8.24pm GMT Anton du Beke chooses to save… Amber and Nikita, saying “they should both stay and have been extraordinary”.

8.24pm GMT Head judge Shirley Ballas chooses to save… Amber and Nikita, saying “both couples upped their game and I’m heartbroken”.

8.22pm GMT Verdict time I’ve got a Titanic-style sinking feeling which way this will go but let’s hear from the panel who matter.

Craig scored Lewis two points fewer last night, the rest of the judges one point.

8.21pm GMT Lewis takes his turn Lewis Cope and his pro partner Katya Jones have another go at their salsa to Dance at the Gym from West Side Story.

The judges said last night that it missed connection, looked a little tight and lost timing, while his basic salsa content was a bit square and his movements unfinished.

It scored 35 points, five fewer than Amber.

Can he improve 8.19pm

Can he improve enough to close the gap?

8.19pm GMT Unless it’s a *splits* decision.

Sorry.

8.19pm GMT Amber goes first in dance-off Amber Davies and her pro partner Nikita Kuzmin reprise their Charleston to Sit Down You’re Rockin’ The Boat from Guys & Dolls.

The judges said last night that her swivel and timing were perfect, and it was one of the best dances in Strictly history.

Anton would have given it 25 if he could.

Oh, Anton.

It scored a perfect 40 points, five more than Lewis.

Surely only glaring mistakes can lose it for her now?

8.17pm GMT This 8.16pm

8.17pm GMT This is, however, giving me flashbacks to Les Dennis descending on an anchor in a sailor suit.

8.16pm GMT Paint me like one of your French girls, Jack.

King of the world!

Palm on a steamy car window!

Watch out for that iceberg!

Oh, too late.

8.15pm GMT Her heart will go on Time for this week’s musical interlude, from the cast of comedy jukebox musical Titanique, the Olivier Award-winning hit.

A parody of the 1997 film and based around the music of Celine Dion, it retells the sinking boat story from Celine’s point of view.

8.14pm GMT George Clarke says "this is wild" The last semi-final couple mop their brows and have balcony badinage with Claud.

His partner Alexis One

His partner Alexis Warr “could start crying” about reaching the semi-final in her debut series.

One of their dances next week is a Charleston.

8.11pm GMT Shirley Ballas is “speechless”.

And then makes a speech.

She praises the sportsmanship of both couples and tells them to “dig deep and dance for their place”.

8.10pm GMT Gasps in the ballroom at this match-up.

8.10pm GMT George Clarke progresses Which means that the Phantom Of The Opera is here….

in the semi-final.

8.09pm GMT Amber Davies in dance-off for second time Wow, she’s gone from top to bottom.

Amber Davies and Can

Amber Davies and her pro partner Nikita Kuzmin are in the dance-off for the first time since way back in week five.

Can they survive again?

8.09pm GMT Lewis Cope in dance-off for first time A shocker.

Lewis Cope and his pro partner Katya Jones are in their first dance-off.

But who will they be up against?

8.08pm GMT Buckle up, it’s crunch time again That dreaded scarlet spotlight of doom is back to reveal who’s in the dreaded dance-off.

8.07pm GMT Anton says how double dancing in the semi-final becomes tactical and how he tended to focused on one routine which could potentially win the dance-off.

8.06pm GMT Shirley pays tribute to Karen Carney’s unique balance.

Craig is “disgusted with himself” for getting out his 10 paddle for Amber Davies again.

8.05pm GMT Motsi 8.04pm

8.05pm GMT Motsi discusses her hug with Balvinder and admires how she’s a great example of never giving up.

8.04pm GMT Dance debrief Time for the regular feature formerly known as Len’s Lens (RIP).

The judges pop their pert posteriors onto Claudia’s banquette for a closer look at last night’s routines.

8.03pm GMT That was sharply choreographed by Strictly regular Elizabeth Honan.

Beth, to her fabulous friends.

Bravo.

8.02pm GMT Karen Hauer to the fore.

Always ace to see.

8.00pm GMT Anyway, enough of that.

Six merry widows Strong

Six merry widows all accused of murdering their husbands tell their stories.

Strong narrative, bold Bob Fosse styling and an industrial black-and-red set with sparse graphic lighting.

7.59pm GMT Strictly pros in the slammer Time for the professionals group dance and it’s a fiery number to Cell Block Tango from 1975 musical Chicago.

Remember Anita Rani and Gleb Savchenko’s tango to this 10 years ago?

Ah, Gleb *comes over all gooey*.

7.59pm GMT Kaz is most successful Strictly footballer ever Karen Carney is equally grateful.

Claudia tells her she has got further than any other footballer on Strictly.

Score!

“These women are powerful,” says her partner Carlos.

7.57pm GMT Bal She

7.57pm GMT Bal is a fighter and she is "enough" Up in the Clauditorium with the relieved semi-finalists, a shocked Balvinder says “a thousand thank yous” and “we left our hearts on the dancefloor”.

She discusses the messages she’s received from “people who look like me” and from teachers who want to instil her determination in their pupils.

One of her two dances next week is a salsa to Gloria Estefan.

Textbook.

7.55pm GMT “Whoever it is in the dance-off, let’s face it, at least you don’t have to face Balvinder,” quips Anton.

7.53pm GMT Karen Carney is safe She was bottom of the scoreboard, so the former Lioness will breath a sigh of relief.

Carlos Gu will probably cry, obv.

7.53pm GMT Balvinder dodges the dance-off Well, that’s one in the eye for the bookies.

She was hot favourite for elimination but Balvinder Sopal defies the odds again.

7.52pm GMT Red Time

7.52pm GMT Red light spells danger That pesky crimson spotlight begins to flicker.

Time to find out who has qualified for the semi-final and who’s dancing again for survival.

7.52pm GMT The judges take their front row theatre seats.

They’ve got a potentially difficult decision to make in about half an hour.

Get your game-faces on, panel.

7.52pm GMT Our Strictly stars™ Our five pro-celebrity pairs anxiously await the results in hippy-dippy chic and slightly surgical opera masks.

7.49pm GMT Musicals Week gets an encore A rewind of Saturday night’s live hoofing on-screen now.

Amber’s perfect 40 Charleston!

Lots of Latin and not much ballroom!

Anton making a 7.48pm

Anton making a sequence of strange noises instead of proper critiques!

7.48pm GMT Frockwatch Here come our co-hosts, so time for our regular sartorial showdown.

Tess Daly is in a black jumpsuit with a sparkly halterneck.

Claudia Winkleman is in a classic black velvet dress.

Everybody’s a winner here.

7.47pm GMT Cue clap-along credits Go on, which of these celebs had you completely forgotten were ever in the contest?

And why is it Tommy Bosh with the big breakfasts?

7.46pm GMT And we’re off!

We open a behind-the-scenes VT from last night.

Cheeky Cockney relays! Sharks

Cheeky Cockney relays!

Sharks vs Jets!

Peruvian bears!

Crash, bang, wallop what a picture!

7.44pm GMT Charge glasses, plump cushions, pop the central heating up a notch and take your sofa seats.

We’re about to head back to the Elstree Studios ballroom… 7.39pm GMT Motsi gets the casting vote It was announced in last night’s live show that this week’s potentially decisive dance-off vote goes to judge Motsi Mabuse.

Will this format twist finally pay dividends?

With a tough-to-call bottom two, you never know.

A mere five minutes until the glitterball starts spinning again… 7.34pm GMT Lion cub heartbreak!

Hyena jeopardy! Wild dog

Hyena jeopardy!

Wild dog drama!

Lord Attenborough’s lovely, reassuring whisper!

The last “proper” episode of wildlife series Kingdom is just wrapping up on BBC1, concluding the five-year story of four competing animal families.

Next week’s instalment is more of a making-of affair.

Don legwarmers and commence some light stretching.

Just 10 minutes to wait now… 7.29pm GMT A Titanique performance No traditional musical guest tonight.

Well, it would be hard to top last night’s marmalade-loving megastar, Paddington, and his nibs from McFly.

Instead the cast of Olivier Award-winning musical Titanique will treat us to a turn.

It’s 15 minutes a

It’s 15 minutes until showtime… 7.24pm GMT Pros take us to Chicago Tonight’s group number from the professionals is, naturally, musicals-themed.

It’s a sizzling take on Chicago’s Cell Block Tango.

Not to be confused with Prisoner Cell Block H, although that I’d love to see.

Joan “The Freak” Ferguson dancing with top dog Bea?

Bring it on.

It’s 2o minutes until we’re back in the ballroom… 7.21pm GMT La Voix for the hosting gig?

An email just in from liveblog regular Lynne: Is it too early to be lobbying for La Voix to take the Claudia role in next year’s Strictly?

She’s proved she is quick-witted and funny and will certainly bring the glitz.

She’s also had experience on the other side of the show, so she’ll empathise with the contestants.

I genuinely think Plus,

I genuinely think she’d be a great member of whatever the new Strictly line-up is.

Plus, like Claudia, she could be your permanent winner in the frock stakes!

7.16pm GMT Will it be sixth time unlucky for Bal?

Coming into this weekend, bookies’ odds-on favourite for elimination was Balvinder Sopal yet again.

Was her personal best score of 35 points for a dreamy Viennese waltz enough to save her from a record-breaking sixth dance-off?

Half an hour until we get our first choreographic clues… 7.13pm GMT Who will be axed from the Musicals Week cast?

Somebody is about to become a Broadway flop.

Good evening and welcome to the penultimate elimination from Strictly Come Dancing 2025.

I’m Michael, your Sunday night understudy for tonight’s musicals-themed results show.

Please watch along Of

Please watch along with me as the 11th celebrity departs the dancefloor, falling heartbreakingly short of the semi-final.

Of our fabulous five remaining pro-celebrity pairs, only four will progress to dance two routines apiece in next Saturday’s semi.

The judges’ scores have been combined with viewer votes and tonight the bottom two will be consigned to the dreaded eliminator.

So who’s in dance-off danger?

Karen Carney was left at the bottom of the Saturday night standings after her stilted samba – but only one point below the trio of Balvinder Sopal, George Clarke and Lewis Cope.

Will voting viewers agree?

With a closely bunched leaderboard, anything could happen.

Scheduled slightly later than usual, it’s results showtime at 7.45pm on BBC One.

I’ll be liveblogging from 7.15pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and cheek from the cheap seats.

So hunker down As

So hunker down on this soggy 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 Musicals Week pow-wow.

I’ll fleckerl and contra check down there every now and again to catch up on what you’re saying.

The sparkly safety curtain is about to come down on another couple.

Nearly time to staaaaaart dancing into the semi-final!

Updated at 7.25pm GMT 8.50pm GMT Thank you and take a bow That concludes Saturday’s greasepaint-scented liveblog but please feel free to continue the backstage gossip.

Meet you back here tomorrow for this year’s penultimate (!) results show.

It airs at the slightly later time of 7.45pm Sunday on BBC1, featuring a Chicago-inspired pro dance and a performance from hit comedy musical Titanique.

I’ll spark up In

I’ll spark up the blog at 7.15pm for build-up, so please rejoin me then.

In the meantime, I’m @michaelhogan on Twitter/X and @michaelhogan100 pretty much everywhere else, so please feel free to drop in for a luvvie-ish airkiss.

Also, of course, feel free to order my debut novel for cosy December reading or ideal Christmas gifting.

(Well, I couldn’t go a week without mentioning it).

Thanks again for watching along with me, my triple threat friends.

See you tomorrow but in the meantime, it’s the traditional thespian motto: keeeeeep dancing!

Goodnight.

8.32pm GMT Finally, on a certain furry VIP, MikeMoonlight says: “The Daily Mail is apparently absolutely furious that an undocumented Peruvian has been given a prime time spot on the BBC.” wtrukus adds: “Wow.

Paddington sounded way better than some of the musical guests they’ve had.” Updated at 8.39pm GMT 8.30pm GMT On Lewis Cope, EmmyHarb says: “I found that too stop-start and it felt like a group dance much more than the two of them.” ReclinedPotato says: “Oh, I love that manly athletic style of dance that Lewis just gave us.

Reminds me of Absolute

Reminds me of Gene Kelly.

Absolute magic.

Didn’t like the music or the staging but it’s a dancing show, no?” DougandDinsdale says: “Lewis’ ‘salsa’ wasn’t very salsa, more running around and doing stuff he does every week.” SnailyWhaley says: “Love West Side Story but I don’t think Lewis had the best music for that dance.

The track makes so much difference.

Amber and Bal had music perfectly suited to their dances, which helps so much.” Gardener_Maidhc says: “Feel like they decided to do the original West Side Story level of intensity choreo for this dance but forgot that it’s so famously extremely difficult and high energy that even the pros have to spend weeks learning.” JoMK73 adds: “Lewis did some amazing things in that dance but to me, it didn’t seem like a natural fit for him, which Shirley explained better in terms of his breathing.

Amazing lift and wonderful spins.

Was I the only one who was reminded of Patrick Swayze sweating in a vest?” Updated at 8.52pm GMT 8.27pm GMT On Amber Davies, Poppieshen says: “Well, that Charleston felt like a proper musical theatre routine and to a song I love.

Sadly, despite how good Amber is, I just can’t get interested in her.” Lushattic says: “Blimey, that’s ripped the roof off the joint.

It’s a 10 for me.” SnailyWhaley says: “Spectacular from Amber.

As it should She

As it should be.

She lucked out getting a Charleston on Musicals Week.” MsChuffy adds: “Honestly, if I’d paid to see Guys n Dolls and seen that, I’d be EXTREMELY happy.” Updated at 8.41pm GMT 8.25pm GMT On Balvinder Sopal, MarkRoche says: “Balvinder looks gorgeous tonight.

I’m a sucker for a Viennese and by golly, that was exquisite.” MarianneRow says: “Loved the dress, loved the music, loved the sway and total immersion in the dance.” Toesturnedin says: “I’ve been very fond of Balvinder since the series started and that dance just made me fall in love with her a bit.

She has an elegance that you can’t teach.

Beautiful.” ladyglencora says: “Bal has come so far.

She has such a connection with Julian and that was a beautiful, moving performance.” Startingfromnow adds: “Bal has come from five dance-offs, no dance training and working on EastEnders at the same time as training.

She is the hardest working woman I know and deserves your votes tonight.

And thank you for being so kind on here.

Her friends and family follow along!” Updated at 8.42pm GMT 8.23pm GMT On Karen Carney, Ireeverentnurse says: “Well done, Karen, you gave it some welly, even if there was what looked like a small mishap.

You recovered it Would

You recovered it so well.” Heartticker says: “I didn’t hate that samba as much as I thought I was going to.

Would have liked to have seen her dance a proper samba, though.” Swalk77 says: “Oh, I love Carlos so much.

He’s definitely the Keith Brymer Jones of Strictly.

Him and Karen are fantastic.” Gardener_Maidhc says: “This is psychedelic in all the wrong ways.

Karen is trying bless her but seems like a mess to me.

Can we just pretend that didn’t happen?” Jockette61 says: “Well, that was horrible.

Can’t comment on the dancing but the WORST ever costumes in 23 series.” EmmyHarb adds: “Forget Andrew Lloyd Webber, Ian Wright is an actual legend.” Updated at 8.43pm GMT 8.20pm GMT On George Clarke, emilyscatnaps says: “Aaaaarrrggghhhh.

I already hate this Argentine tango to a completely inappropriate song.

How can you simmer with passion in an Argentine to this nonsense?” Heartticker says: “Well, well, well, George.

A bit of And

A bit of a slow start and rather strange music for an AT but I really liked that.” Lidoswimmer says: “Well done, George, that was a performance.

And it takes some skill and strength to be able to lift and swing her so cleanly.” jagadox says: “I didn’t think George was the Argentine tango type of bloke.

Brooding, sexual and commanding.

And I’m not sure I did, although Alexis was on fire.” diamondcat adds: “Loved that AT.

Very dramatic and wonderful lifts.

I was rather put off by the singing, though, which sounded like it was coming from the bottom of a drain.

Appropriate, I suppose, as it all takes place underground.” Updated at 8.44pm GMT 8.17pm GMT Readers’ reviews are in The notices are here, darlings.

Here’s a rapid-fire round-up of your comments.

Somersetlass says: “Wow!

Loved, loved, loved It

Loved, loved, loved that Dance Relay.

It was all mildly chaotic but utterly joyous!

What a way to start the show.” YodaknowsAll says: “The standard is so high this year that the celebs are part of the opening number.

I really enjoyed that.” yorkshirecoast adds: “Just had to take a Benadryl as I suffer from an allergy to all things Cockernee.” Updated at 8.45pm GMT 8.11pm GMT Golden Glitterballs (theatrical edition) Who needs standing ovations or Olivier Awards?

Not us, no siree.

Here are this week’s lucky liveblog gong-getters… Best dance: Amber’s Charleston just eclipses that Dance Relay and Paddington Bear busting a move.

Worst dance: Karen’s samba finished bottom of the scoreboard, which seems harsh but here we are.

It’s week 11, innit.

Standards are high.

Best music choice: Both

Best music choice: A tie between Never Enough and Rhythm Of Life.

Both bangers, brilliantly performed by Dave Arch and his merry band.

Worst music choice: That Phantom of the Opera dirge.

Best outfit: A tie between Balvinder and Katya’s dresses.

Also liked Nadiya’s green frock for the bear bit (as opposed to bearpit) Worst outfit: George’s phantom mask somehow looked rather medical.

Karen’s hippy get-up didn’t do her any favours either.

Best VT: After all the visits to West End productions, I enjoyed the stripped-back simplicity of Lewis and Katya watching West Side Story on a projector, while she explained the dancing to him.

Comfy-looking beanbags, too.

Worst VT: Andrew Lloyd Webber was awkz.

Sorry, m’lord. Apols, Andy.

Sorry, m’lord.

Apols, Andy.

Best judges’ comment: “Your partner, who is called Julian,” said Motsi to Bal.

“Just reminding my perimenopausal brain.” Best Claudia quip: “I almost prefer it when you cry,” to an overexcited Carlos.

Honourable mention to “My mum is here!” when Nikita lifted her up.

Updated at 8.16pm GMT 8.05pm GMT From Tony and Maria to Tony Montana TV viewers can now stay on BBC1 for Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel or flip to Channel 4 for Sandi’s Great Riviera Rail Trip.

At 9pm, it’s The Veiled World of Nick Cave on Sky Arts or I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!

on ITV1.

At 9.05pm, there’s Wild Cherry on BBC1 or Christmas TV We Loved & Lost on Channel 5.

If all those Say

If all those musicals-which-are-films-really has put you in a movie mood, tonight’s picks are About Time (9pm on Comedy Central), Knives Out (10.05pm on Channel 4), The Northman (11.15pm on Film4), King Richard (11.30pm on BBC2) and Scarface (12.35am on Channel 4).

Say hello to my little friend… 8.04pm GMT Musicals Week leaderboard in full Amber Davies takes top billing on the quarter-final scoreboard with her perfect 40.

Lewis Cope, Balvinder Sopal and George Clarke are all tied in second spot.

Down the bottom is Karen Carney, albeit just one point behind that cluster.

8.02pm GMT Safety curtain comes down Chorus line leaders Tess and Claud instruct us to “Keeeeeep dancing!”.

As the end credits roll, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.

8.02pm GMT The casting vote goes to… This week, the deciding vote in the dance-off goes to… Motsi Mabuse!

This plot twist will be interesting one week, probably.

8.00pm GMT Tonight’s action recapped An encore for the night’s five routines on-screen now.

Which West End Broadway

Which West End wendies are you voting for?

Which Broadway berties are you definitely not?

8.00pm GMT Voting is… drum roll please, Dave Arch… open!

Online-only, naturally.

What do you think we are?

Savages?

The now traditional prop-waving chaos erupts.

7.59pm GMT My favourite Strictly-meets-Paddington factoid: the prison dance by Hugh Grant’s villainous character Phoenix Buchanan at the end of Paddington 2 was choreographed by no less than Craig Revel Horwood.

Pad-u-lous!

Updated at 8.49pm Let’s

Updated at 8.49pm GMT 7.59pm GMT The ursine hero joins us in the ballroom.

Let’s have a look at his furry footwork.

The song is The Explorer & The Bear from the new Paddington musical.

Oh, Padders.

Updated at 8.50pm GMT 7.58pm GMT Music and marmalade sandwiches An exclusive performance now from former Strictly contestant Tom Fletcher - the McFly frontman was paired with Amy Dowden in 2021 and eliminated in week nine.

Vito Coppola and Nadiya Bychkova provide choreographic accompaniment.

Updated at 8.50pm GMT 7.56pm GMT Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points, the same as Balvinder and George.

A video message from Lewis’ niece and nephews.

Cute as buttons.

Updated at 8.53pm Shirley

Updated at 8.53pm GMT 7.54pm GMT Judges’ comments: Motsi says “wow, pushed it physically, so much content and always the star amid the ensemble, great job”.

Shirley says “not your best by far, missed connection and lost timing, looked a little bit tight and needed breathing but still a lot to like”.

Anton says “incredible physicality and strong characterisation but partnering stuff needed subtlety”.

Craig concludes “basic salsa a bit square, footwork turned in at times, things weren’t finished, you’ve danced better but it had power and punch”.

Eights and nines?

7.50pm GMT Lewis and Katya’s salsa Actor Lewis Cope didn’t score a perfect 40 last week like Amber and Karen but he did win the Instant Dance challenge and top the combined leaderboard, so remains the contest’s highest scorer.

After last week’s rumba, it’s time for a much faster Latin dance.

Loads of energy.

Upbeat and action-packed with lifts and leaps.

A variety of Tiny

A variety of rhythms and tempos.

Tiny awkward timing issues early on, I thought, but a proper big number with storytelling, drama and style.

Great connection with pro partner Katya Jones, who’s put together sizzling choreography.

Shoulder shimmies.

Saucy, spicy, a run of spins.

Fluid and bags of fun.

Song: The Dance at the Gym from West Side Story.

It soundtracks the dance-off challenge scene between the Sharks and the Jets, during which star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria locks eyes and fall for each other.

Updated at 8.52pm GMT 7.46pm GMT Judges’ scores: 10, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 40 points.

Her second maximum She

Her second maximum in a row and top of the standings, obv.

She gets a cute video message from her old school.

Updated at 8.55pm GMT 7.43pm GMT Judges’ comments: Craig says “too clean and neat but swivel and timing were perfect, an absolute sen-say-tion”.

Motsi says “one word, perfection”.

Shirley says “destined for the West End (ahem), you’re an absolute star”.

Anton concludes “so brilliant, very difficult to find a dance better than this, ever, I’d give you 25”.

Another perfect 40 incoming, I suspect.

Updated at 8.56pm GMT 7.41pm GMT Amber and Nikita’s Charleston This is her dream week but expect further grumbling about Amber Davies’ prior dance experience and day job as a stage musical star.

Understandable.

The Charleston should Throwing

The Charleston should suit her down o the glittery ground, although it’s her third fast dance in a row after the quickstep and jive, so fatigue might be an issue.

Throwing everything at it, while still telling a story with partner Nikita Kuzmin.

Sparkly flapper girl styling.

Complex, colourful and characterful.

Precise and sharp, with the requisite kicks, flicks and tricks.

Prop work and lifts.

Flagged a little towards the end but wow.

A proper showstopper.

Song: Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat from Guys & Dolls.

Frank Loesser’s 1950 Updated

Frank Loesser’s 1950 number, sung by gambler Nicely-Nicely Johnson, was performed in the pilot episode of Glee and soundtracked a group dance by the Strictly pros in 2022.

Updated at 8.54pm GMT 7.37pm GMT Bal and George get a joint birthday cake.

Presented by Ginger Neil, naturally.

Eat it!

Workplace bullying if you ask me.

(Kidding.) 7.36pm GMT Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points.

Her highest score and joint top with George as it stands.

“I have waited for that feeling,” says Bal.

“You’re such an incredible woman,” says Jules, who is also emotional.

“You’re going to Updated

“You’re going to get us all going,” says Claud, before going into an adorable video from Bal’s nieces.

Updated at 8.58pm GMT 7.33pm GMT Judges’ comments: Anton says “epic and exquisite, swept across the floor, danced with a freedom that I’ve only seen in your Instant Dance performance, magnificent”.

Craig says “extend your arms, shoulder raised up, still a little bit turned in but it had flow and feeling, you are a fighter”.

Motsi says “I was holding Shirley’s hand throughout, you channelled everything you’ve been through in the last few weeks”.

She comes out to give Bal a proud hug.

Shirley concludes “I had chills, you’re a hero, beauty and charm”.

Eights and nines?

7.29pm GMT Rousing reception for a tearful Balvinder.

“So proud of you,” says Julian sweetly.

“You deserve that.” It

“You deserve that.” Updated at 8.57pm GMT 7.28pm GMT Balvinder and Julian’s Viennese waltz EastEnders actor Balvinder Sopal and her partner Julian Caillon’s has made Strictly history by surviving five dance-offs and could do it again by competing in an unprecedented sixth.

It was her 47th birthday this week and dodging the bottom two would be the perfect gift.

Julian channelling fellow Aussie “Huge” Jackman as the ringmaster.

She’s worked hard on refining her footwork and is taking her time with a slow opening section, then into pivots and turns to travel around the floor.

Soft spins and gentle flow but with moments of power and rotation.

Lovely hands and arms.

Romantic and tender but among the flashier Latin and specialist dances elsewhere, could such a traditional number get overshadowed?

Song: Never Enough from The Greatest Showman.

The empowering ballad about being yourself and following your dreams has been covered by Kelly Clarkson.

It’s never appeared Updated

It’s never appeared on Strictly before but on BBC contest The Greatest Dancer (remember that?), teenage winner Ellie Fergusson danced to it alongside her mentor Oti Mabuse.

Updated at 8.57pm GMT 7.23pm GMT Judges’ scores: 8, 8, 9, 9 for a total of 34 points, one fewer than George.

“I was trying to shake what my mama gave me,” says Kaz.

She gets a good luck video from Ian Wright, Wright, Wright.

Updated at 8.59pm GMT 7.21pm GMT Judges’ comments: Shirley says “loved the whole production, off-the-chart sense of balance, spins and chemistry great, had the bounce, quite the force to be reckoned with”.

Anton says “threw everything at it, you missed his hand on the spin but spun anyway, small footwork error but execution bang-on and energy great”.

Craig says “that will relieve everyone of their winter blues but too frenetic and busy, a bit stiff in the body but fantastic”.

Motsi concludes “sensational spins, strong solo spins, you really attacked it, wanted the hips moving more but so convincing”.

Eights and nines ahoy?

7.17pm GMT Karen She’s

7.17pm GMT Karen and Carlos’ samba The momentum is with former Lioness Karen Carney after scores of 39 and 40 in the past two weeks.

She’s not the biggest fan of musicals and the samba technique is notoriously tricky but she’s determined to nail it.

Working a hippy chic look in a flared, tasselled trouser suit, with partner Carlos Gu resplendent in John Lennon specs and gold slacks.

Finding her hips and shaking her stuff.

Slightly awkward marriage of theme and dance.

More Carwarsh disco than Rio carnival.

Bounce and rotation is there.

So are the fast feet you’d expect from a footballer but perhaps a little stiff and lacking in fluidity.

Needs to loosen up but she’s bringing the party vibe and selling it hard.

Changes of rhythm Cracking

Changes of rhythm and fun choreography.

Cracking chorus line to finish and streamers fall.

Song: The Rhythm of Life from Sweet Charity.

The funk-soul banger is performed by hippy cult leader Big Daddy, played by Sammy David Jr in the 1969 film version.

It’s been covered by The Temptations and Diana Ross & The Supremes.

Updated at 8.59pm GMT 7.12pm GMT Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points.

They get a mildly awkward video message from Lord Lloyd Webber.

“Thanks, Andy,” says George.

7.09pm GMT Judges’ comments: Motsi says “opened the show with conviction, Alexis was flying in the air, strong partnering skills and characterisation”.

Shirley says “liked Anton

Shirley says “liked the seriousness, controlled and leading, seamless, enjoyed it”.

Anton says “taken aback by your intensity, loved it, transferred well into the dance and quality partnering, more of this please”.

Craig concludes “footwork untidy and sticky, difficult music but excellent lifts”.

An eight and three nines incoming?

Updated at 9.01pm GMT 7.06pm GMT George and Alexis’ Argentine tango Content creator™ George Clarke has admitted to disliking musicals.

However, he does enjoy embracing and embodying characters.

He’s had playful numbers for the past couple of weeks but now needs to tap into his serious side.

Dry ice overload.

Let’s hope it doesn’t conceal the footwork.

Very intricate with Fast

Very intricate with controlled power and close hold.

Fast legs and feet.

Plenty of intensity and he’s leading partner Alexis Warr pretty well.

Takes off in the third act.

Lacking a little passion and fire, perhaps, but his performance levels and theatricality have certainly improved.

It was George’s 26th birthday this week and what a way to celebrate.

Song: The Point of No Return from The Phantom of the Opera.

This romantic duet between the Phantom and heroine Christine appears towards the end of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical.

Updated at 9.00pm GMT 7.02pm GMT Our Strictly stars™ The field’s getting small now.

Our five pro-celebrity The

Our five pro-celebrity pairings emerge for their staircase wave.

The dressing-up box has been ransacked, as you’d expect.

7.01pm GMT Judges join the cast The paddle raising panel enter stage left.

Motsi Mabuse is in a purple mini-dress and Shirley Ballas in blue satin.

They’ve come as Quality Street.

Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood in their regular Moss Bros rentals.

7.00pm GMT Frockwatch Here come our leading ladies, so time for a Musicals edition of our usual fashion match-up.

Tess Daly is in pink with bows.

Claudia Winkleman is in a black minidress with boat neck.

It’s not a (But

It’s not a competition.

(But if it was, Claud would win.) 6.59pm GMT East End meets West End.

Get outta my pub!

6.59pm GMT Karen Carney and Carlos Gu are last out, cutting some rug to Flash Bang Wallop from Half A Sixpence.

Scott Mills and Joanne Clifton did a Charleston to it a decade ago, as did Tyler West and Dianne Buswell in 2022.

Tommy Steele swagger.

What a picture indeed.

Strike a light.

Updated at 9.02pm GMT 6.58pm GMT Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin dance to Trip A Little Light Fantastic by Lin-Manuel Miranda from Mary Poppins Returns.

The 2019 glitterball Wow,

The 2019 glitterball winners Kelvin Fletcher and Oti Mabuse danced a Charleston to it, if you recall.

Wow, that was spectacular and lift-packed.

Tripping the light fantastic, like it says on the tin.

Updated at 9.03pm GMT 6.57pm GMT Lewis Cope and Katya Jones tag-team in, throwing shapes to Me Ol’ Bamboo from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

This was originally written as a morris dancing number, before morphing into a vaudeville turn with walking sticks.

Dick Van Dyke said the movie sequence was the most difficult dancing he ever undertook.

Lewis, as usual, makes it look easy.

Updated at 9.04pm GMT 6.56pm GMT Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon take centre stage now, performing to With A Little Bit Of Luck from My Fair Lady.

Not to be confused with 1999 UK garage hit A Little Bit of Luck by DJ Luck & MC Neat.

Holler with the No,

Holler with the rinsin’ sound.

No, this one’s the Cockney showtune sung by Eliza’s bin man dad, Alfred P Doolittle.

American smooth-meets-quickstep-meets Charleston vibes.

Ironically, that wasn’t rubbish.

Updated at 9.05pm GMT 6.56pm GMT We kick off with George Clarke and Alexis Warr, dancing to Consider Yourself from Oliver!

– sung by the Artful Dodger when he first meets Oliver Twist.

Chris Ramsey and Karen Hauer foxtrotted to it in the 2019 series.

Charleston moves ahoy.

Updated at 9.06pm GMT 6.55pm GMT Coer blimey, guv'nor, it's Dance Relay Unusually for a live show - but it’s Musicals Week, so all bets are off - we open with a razzle-dazzle group routine.

This five-minute spectacular It

This five-minute spectacular will see each pair take to the floor as part of a high-energy celebration of musicals, dancing to songs from different shows.

It won’t be marked by the judges but is an extra chance for them to earn viewer votes.

6.54pm GMT Cue clap-along credits We’re 10 couples down and just five remain.

It’ll be a slimline four by tomorrow.

Who’s about to bow out, I beseech thee?

6.53pm GMT Aaaaand we’re off!

Roll pre-titles VT to ratchet up the drama.

Has anyone mentioned that it’s Musicals Week yet?

6.50pm GMT Turn off your phones, open your “sharing” bag of sweets and give a hard stare to noisy seat neighbours.

We’re about to This

We’re about to be beamed live to the Elstree Studios ballroom… 6.44pm GMT Robin rockin’ our screens Aardman Animations’ Robin Robin just wrapping up on BBC1.

This charmingly festive, Oscar-nominated stop-motion short film first appeared on Netflix at Christmas 2021.

It tells the story of a young robin who tries to prove her worth to her adoptive mice family by stealing a shiny star from a human’s house.

The voice cast includes Richard E Grant, Gillian Anderson and the reliably ace Adeel Akhtar.

A mere five minutes to wait now… 6.40pm GMT Paddington makes his Strictly debut The duffel-coated Peruvian bear will appear in the ballroom tonight during a special number from the new Paddington musical.

Hey, maybe he’ll dance to Lady Marmalade.

Hold onto your large felt hats, it’s 10 minutes until the clock strikes sequins… 6.35pm GMT On your dance cards tonight As well as the Dance Relay, this week’s five “proper” routines from our couples are heavy on the Latin and speciality dances, with a Charleston, an Argentine tango, a salsa and a samba.

Only Balvinder Sopal is flying the flag for ye olde trad ballroom with her Viennese waltz.

Extra dancers are also back for the first time since Blackpool, lending that big production feel to the musicals-themed numbers.

Fifteen minutes until Take

Fifteen minutes until that ba-ba-da theme tune… Updated at 6.45pm GMT 6.30pm GMT Let’s play Strictly bingo (Broadway edition) Cross them off as you spot them on-screen!

Take a drink for each!

Get manhandled out of the theatre by usherettes for singing along too loudly!

Threaten to sue and then fall over!

Here’s your 10-point spotter’s guide for Musicals Week: Training VT sees couple visit the West End cast of the musical they’re channelling for “tips” Celebrity gushes unconvincingly about how much they love musical theatre Overuse of the words “iconic” and “legendary” Anton refers to his Musicals Week routines of yore, even though he only made it this far twice Fickle Claudia transfers her affections from Dave Arch to Paddington Craig modestly mentions his West End choreography credits Anton ropes in a secretly delighted Shirley to demonstrate waltz frame or tango hold Motsi says someone “brought their A-game” or “shut this ballroom down” Someone gets compared to Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers/Gene Kelly/Bob Fosse Shirley picks up a female celebrity on her footwork fundamentals but male celebs get away with it 6.25pm GMT A new bookies’ favourite for the glitterball George Clarke has headed the betting for most of the series but in the wake of last week’s perfect 40, Karen Carney took over this week as the new glitterball favourite.

Unsurprisingly, poor Balvinder Sopal is odds-on to depart the dancefloor this weekend.

Again.

It’s 25 minutes until the spangly safety curtain comes up… 6.19pm GMT Sparkly batons at the ready for Dance Relay Following the runaway success of last week’s enjoyably chaotic Instant Dance challenge, there’s another new innovation tonight.

A special relay-style performance will see each couple take it in turns to hit the floor as part of a high-energy celebration of musicals.

It won’t be If

It won’t be scored by the judges but is just an extra bid to win viewer votes.

If Instant Dance chaos is anything to judge by, it should be interesting.

Wonder what Nikita will wear this time?

We’ll get our first clues in half an hour… 6.12pm GMT Who will make a show of themselves in Musicals Week?

It’s time for Strictly’s annual night out at the theatre.

Good evening and welcome to week 11 of Strictly Come Dancing 2025.

I’m Michael, your fellow thesp for tonight’s musicals-themed quarter-final.

I’d love you to watch along with me as our couples perform routines inspired by West End and Broadway hits, hoping to make it through to the semi-final.

They will also tackle Strictly’s first ever Dance Relay in their bid for viewer votes.

Last week saw Our

Last week saw two perfect 40s from Karen Carney and Amber Davies but these were thoroughly upstaged by the first ever Instant Dance challenge.

Our couples raided the Elstree Studios clothes rails in a panic – cue Claudia Winkleman wearing a fruit hat, Nikita Kuzmin in the world’’s flounciest sleeves and George Clarke in a red fur pimp coat – before improvising mini-routines.

Bonkers and brilliant.

Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe were eliminated after defeat to dance-off destroyer Balvinder Sopal.

Now just five pro-celebrity pairings remain in the race to become the next glitterball champion.

You know the deal by now.

Tonight’s scores will be combined with the public vote and the bottom two will dance-off for survival on Sunday night.

Balvinder is bookies’ hot tip for the chop yet again but she’s defied the odds five times already.

Who would be foolish enough to write off this year’s great survivor?

It’s showtime at I’ll

It’s showtime at 6.50pm on BBC One.

I’ll be liveblogging from 6.20pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and heckles from the stalls.

So don your theatrical finery, pre-order your interval drinks and I’ll see you on the sofa.

As always, I’d love to hear from you too.

You can tweet me @michaelhogan, contact me on Bluesky or Threads @michaelhogan100, email me michael.hogan.freelance@guardian.co.uk and the comments section below is for your first night reviews.

I’ll pop a coin in my opera glasses occasionally to peer at you’re all saying.

It’s week 11 and we’re off to musicals heaven.

Nearly time to staaaart all-singing and all-dancing!