Strictly Come Dancing: week eight – as it happened

8.40pm GMT Thank you and a glittery goodnight - for now Who’s Blackpool-bound and who’s doomed for minibreak heartbreak? That concludes tonight’s red-hot hoofing action but we’ll be back on the ballroom beat for the results show, which airs at 7.15pm Sunday on BBC1. I’ll fire 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. As always, thanks for watching along with me, glitterball gang. Hope to see you at the same time, same place tomorrow. Until then, it’s the fabulous family motto: keeeeeep dancing! Goodnight. 8.32pm GMT Talking of dogs, a shout-out to Vicky Pattison’s two labradors, Max and Milo, visiting her in training. Loved that waggy tail thwacking her in the face and them leaping to cuddle her post-dance. I believe one of them was a Dogs Trust rescue, so even better. 8.29pm GMT It’s stormy outside, so what better than staying in with some canine cosy crime? Come on, it wouldn’t be a liveblog without a swift plug for my debut novel, The Dogwalkers’ Detective Agency. Out now in paw-some paperback and the ebook is available for a wag-ulous 99p for a limited time only. You can order here if you want me to love you even more than I do already. And thank you again for all the lovely commenters who’ve already been reading and saying nice things. It truly means a lot. I’ll stop talking now. We’ve had enough tears for tonight. 8.26pm GMT Finally, on La Voix, YodaknowsAll says: “What a showstopper from AliVoix. I have no superlatives. Best dance of the night by a country mile.” fihema says: “I know this is a dance competition, but living a dance and loving a dance doesn’t mean perfection. It means feeling. I loved that dance from La Voix, Chris and Aljaz. More of that, please.” DotGranville says: “I needed more steps and more glitz from La Voix tonight. It wasn’t quite enough.” Poppieshen says: “Lovely showbiz-style fun from La Voix and Aljaz. I get it’s not technically fantastic but a joy to watch.” Somersetlass adds: “Dance of the night! Genuinely jaw-dropping stuff from La Voix and Aljaž, packed with ballroom and showbiz content, full of character and simply life-affirming. A few mistakes, but who cares?” Updated at 8.34pm GMT 8.24pm GMT On Lewis Cope, Poppieshen says: “I don’t care how much of a ‘ringer’ Lewis is. He and Katya are amazing to watch every week.” shazza2704 says: “Despite dreadful lighting and singing, best dance of the night so far. Kudos to Katya, she is one heck of a choreographer.” Somersetlass says: “Wonderful staccato moves from Lewis and Katya, and a tango brimming with restrained passion and power.” Jennifera030 adds: “I don’t want to love Lewis but I’ll be damned if I can stop myself. He is so in control of everything he does, except for his thumb apparently. When he goes from full-on to motionless, his command is outstanding.” Updated at 8.36pm GMT 8.23pm GMT On George Clarke, Phoebe says: “I love George but sadly did not care for that rumba very much. I missed the intro and thought it was a Couple’s Choice.” Audreyshandbag says: “Oh dear! George has fallen victim to shaky choreography again.” fihema says: “I think Alexis is on as much of a learning journey as George and the other celebs. Julian, too, but he seems slightly more in tune with what the job requires. It’s sad to see celebs penalised for what is the pros’ area of responsibility.” AndyPandy21 adds: “Well, I for one enjoyed watching George and Alexis. Despite a couple of minor technical and timing problems, despite questions about the routine, I am glad that Anton mentioned George’s musicality. As an interpretation of the music through movement and gesture I thought he did himself credit. So much better than the last two weeks.” Updated at 8.38pm GMT 8.20pm GMT On Karen Carney, GDPD1971 says: “Well, I don’t care what the judges say. Karen gives each performance her very best and as far as I’m concerned, her ‘journey’ is outstanding. The interpretation of the song was brilliant. I thought that’s what it was all about. Some are ‘ringers’ and she isn’t.” NanaNootka says: “Love how Karen’s personality and athleticism shines through the dance. Unlike Anton & Craig, I enjoyed the spiky brittle nature of that dance as it totally suited the music. Loved the costume too. Well done, Vicky Gill. If everyone was floaty, it would be boring!” AuRun1 says: “That was a very odd American smooth. Carlos added a lot of drama, which played to Karen’s strengths. Enjoyed the dance, but not a good American Smooth. diamondcat adds: “Karen moved around that floor like a very cross gazelle. Loved it!” Updated at 8.38pm GMT 8.18pm GMT On Vicky Pattison, gladarvor says: “Not Vicky’s dance. It looked a bit heavy and she didn’t look comfortable with it. How that yellow samba dress finds its way to a jive with an 80s look to the décor is anyone’s guess.” VelvetinaB says: “Great effort from Vicky, although she didn’t achieve the light high-kicking the judges like.” fihema adds: “That was not what it could’ve been. Shame. Performers in yellow, isn’t it?” Updated at 8.39pm GMT 8.17pm GMT On Alex Kingston, paperview says: “This waltz is probably Alex’s best dance. You can see all the work she has put in.” Somersetlass says: “Watching Alex and Jojo with a thoroughly soppy smile on my face. Beautiful lines, impeccable footwork and properly romantic. Loved it.” Lidoswimmer adds: “Well, that was lovely. Real heart, storytelling and proper dancing, not just a performance. Alex is so elegant, which is definitely enhanced by dancing with JoJo.” Updated at 8.39pm GMT 8.15pm GMT MarkRoche says about Amber Davies’ paso doble: “Crikey, despite the singing and the ringer, what a bloody marvellous dance that was.” diamondcat says: “I’m surprised Amber wasn’t seasick being thrown about like that!” ReclinedPotato adds: “I must say I’m impressed at how Amber managed to be completely absent from my vision during that dance.” Updated at 8.39pm GMT 8.14pm GMT Readers’ verdicts are in A swift straw poll of your comments. G1adys says: “Crikey, that’s everyone bewlow-the-line drunk already after that full-on Blackpool intro.” ReclinedPotato says: “Is it just me or does the first dance of the night generally get lower scores?” Lidoswimmer says: “Balvinder is lovely and it’s always good to see a genuine beginner come on so much, but I fear the combination of first spot and an OK-but-not-great dance may mean another dance-off.” MartGray says: “That was GAW-GEOUS from Bal and Jul, lovely flighty choreography, especially enjoyed the brief change of tone towards the end.” Strictlylounging adds: “That scoring felt quite mean, so I will definitely vote for her!” Updated at 8.40pm GMT 8.12pm GMT Emotional night in the ballroom Don’t think I can remember such a tear-sodden show. The pros, the celebrities, the judges - they were all at it. Thank goodness for La Voix telling Tess “a P45 and an MBE in one month, you’ve had a helluva autumn”. And then to Claudia “You got storm named after you this weekend, it’s all gone wrong.” 8.09pm GMT From wiggly cha-chas to wild cherries TV viewers can now stay on BBC1 for Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel on BBC1 or flip to ITV1 for The 1% Club. At 9pm, new drama Wild Cherry starts on BBC1 or Channel 4 has Hitler’s DNA: Blueprint of a Dictator on C4. Cue songs about singular orbs. If you fancy a film, there’s The Bourne Supremacy (9pm on 5Star), Bridget Jones’ Diary (9.30pm on BBC3), Django Unchained (10pm on Channel 4) or Infinity Pool (11.35pm on Film4). Hello, wanton sex goddess with a very bad man between her thighs? Oh, Mum, hi. 8.06pm GMT Hold your calls, it’s the Golden Glitterballs They’re golden and glittery. They’re spherical and totally imaginary. Here are this week’s lucky gong-getters… Best dance: Lewis Cope’s tango for me. But for sheer entertainment, it’s hard to argue with that La Voix showstopper. Worst dance: George’s rumba-that-wasn’t. Best music choice: Barbra Streisand was a razzle-dazzle way to close the show. Worst music choice: Even Nikita admitted that Aerosmith “wasn’t a paso song”. Best outfit: Balvinder’s florals or Katya’s bodycon. Worst outfit: Nikita’s soft porn binman get-up. Best VT: A lot of emotional ones but I enjoyed Julian going to Albert Square, Jojo conquering his fear of the woods, and La Voix and her dad. Worst VT: Amber saying “OK” to literally everything Nikita said. Best judges’ comment: Craig after Anton’s interminable rambling: “Is there anything you’d like to add to that, Anton?” Best Claudia quip: Telling Nikita to put a top on. Updated at 8.09pm GMT 8.02pm GMT Those week eight standings again Amber Davies tops the leaderboard, with Lewis Cope in second spot. Balvinder Sopal and Vicky Pattison are tied way down at the bottom. As always, viewer votes help decide who’ll be illuminated by the scarlet spotlight of dance-off doom. George Clarke, La Voix and Karen Carney might be in for an anxious wait. 7.59pm GMT Credits roll “Keeeeeep dancing,” chorus Tess and Claud. As everyone starts packing their seaside Speedos in hope, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments. 7.59pm GMT The casting vote goes to… This week, the deciding vote in the dance-off goes to… Craig! Could the format tweak cause some drama at last? Be nice, wouldn’t it? “Oh goody,” he says drily. 7.57pm GMT Tonight’s excellent eight routines get recapped on-screen. Which Blackpool-bound pair will get your vote? Which seaside spoilsports definitely don’t? 7.57pm GMT And the vote is… open! Online-only, of course. Phonelines are, like, totally over. Prop-heavy Clauditorium mayhem ensues. 7.56pm GMT Judges’ scores: 7, 8, 9, 9 for a total of 33 points. Mid-table. 7.53pm GMT Judges’ comments: Shirley says “I loved it and I love you” and they embrace. Anton says “showbiz, baby, a special number”. Craig says messy, haphazard footwork, steps too basic but you’re a storytelling and being amazing character, loved the showbiz element”. Motsi concludes “we need it”. Several times. A seven and three nines? WE NEED IT. 7.50pm GMT La Voix and Aljaž’s Couple’s Choice Dance-off survivors La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec bounce back with a razzle-dazzle Couple’s Choice. La Voix is a born performer so this should play to her strengths. They’ve been working with Olivier Award-winning choreographer Bill Deamer on this musical theatre-style number. Starts as Christopher before switching into La Voix. Changes of pace. Not quite keeping it clean enough or nailing the moves. Cane-ography. Aljaž is loving this. Jazzy, old-style entertainment. Flat-footed but bringing the fun. A proper showgirl performance in a joyous showbiz extravaganza. Song: Don’t Rain On My Parade by Barbra Streisand. From 60s musical Funny Girl, it has soundtracked Strictly quicksteps by both Ashley Roberts and Judy Murray. Guess which was better? Ahem. 7.45pm GMT Judges’ scores: 9, 10, 9, 9 for a total of 37 points. Second place as it stands. 7.43pm GMT Judges’ comments: Craig says “you could’ve tried harder, joking, your thumb was up but no tricks, completely in control, you’re a sensation”. Motsi says “I have goosebumps, best male celebrity tango I’ve seen, had it all”. Shirley says “loved the staccato and how it stayed flat but work on your left arm, you’re getting better and better”. Anton concludes “all great, contained and powerful, near-perfect but your arms give me the hump”. Nines and a 10 or two? 7.40pm GMT Lewis and Katya’s tango Vicky Pattison delivered a show-stopping tango last week. Can her fellow North-Easterner, actor Lewis Cope, do the same? He’s bringing out his serious side for the first time since his Zorro-themed paso doble in Movie Week. Slightly Matrix styling with Lewis in eyeliner and pro partner Katya Jones in a midnight blue sheer dress. Pose-striking to start, then into close hold. Shifting his weight well, with sharp swivels and biting staccato. Drawing the audience into their story with imperious focus and intensity. Some gapping and footwork wobbles, almost hurried at times, but plenty of passion and fire. He’s the highest scoring celebrity in the competition and this could be another winner. Power-packed. Song: 12 to 12 by sombr. This summer’s synth-pop hit was widely compared to Tame Impala and sees New York artist Sombr (real name Shane Boose) singing to a love interest, uncertain whether his feelings are being reciprocated. 7.36pm GMT Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 8, 8 for a total of 29 points. Bottom half but probably safe. 7.34pm GMT Judges’ comments: Motsi says “thank you for being vulnerable, you’re leaning in and I love that, love the lyrical parts, musicality a problem but full of feeling”. Shirley says “beautiful storytelling, coordination went off a little bit, you delivered the message and did wonderfully”. Anton says “liked it, you’re the loveliest partner in the competition, you lead sensitively”. Craig concludes “technically not great, not a rumba, it belonged in musical theatre but a beautiful story”. Well. A five and three eights? Anyone’s guess. 7.29pm GMT George and Alexis’ rumba This was the one song that YouTuber George Clarke wanted to dance to, since it means a lot to family after his sister sang it at their grandfather’s funeral. Full of meaning for him, so he and pro partner Alexis Warr are telling a heartfelt emotional story, rather than a sensual and seductive one. Slightly awkward bench-ography to start, then into a spinning lift. Slinky fluidity and strong partnering skills. The only slow Latin dance can be exposing, especially for celebrity males, but he’s doing a decent job. Rhythmic, romantic and controlled. Perhaps lacking a little earthy hip action and continuous movement. Almost balletic and contempo-waft at times. Lyrical and lovely. Song: Somewhere Only We Know by Lily Allen. Her cover of Keane’s alt-rock ballad topped the charts in 2013 after appearing in the John Lewis Christmas ad, “The Bear and the Hare”. It became Lily’s third number one after Smile and The Fear. 7.25pm GMT Judges’ scores: 7, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 31 points. Mid-table. Carlos is weepy about Kaz overcoming her back problems. “I didnt expect this from my guy here,” says Karen sweetly. They created a fake “vegan vs meat” argument to get in the zone. Sound the Linda McCartney klaxon! 7.23pm GMT Judges’ comments: Anton says “I wanted it softer and more lyrical, it was brilliant but brittle”. Craig says “you dance everything at supersonic speed, it was spiky, need more expression in you’re arms and hands, but I love watching you and adore this partnership”. Motsi says “made it your own, need more reach but an out-of-this-world number”. Shirley concludes “I saw your hard work on your posture which has come along beautifully, be more consistent but boy, it was on the right track”. A mixed bag. Carlos emotional. Sevens and eights? 7.19pm GMT Karen and Carlos’ American smooth Former Lioness Karen Carney and her pro partner Carlos Gu are the only couple this year to have scored 10s for two weeks in a row. Can they make it three on the bounce? Table-ography to start, then into some lovely travel around the floor. Lifts, leaps and lovely storytelling. Transitions a little lumpy at times but musicality and clean footwork. Almost tango-like at times. Boldly choreographed, passionately performed and selling it brilliantly for a sportsperson. Tiny mistake at the end, I think, but terrific. Song: You Don’t Own Me by Saygrace feat G-Eazy. The Australian singer’s Quincy Jones-produced 2015 cover version of the 1963 doo-wop hit which originally came out during the feminist movement. It’s been used in a House of Fraser Christmas advert and appeared on the Suicide Squad soundtrack. 7.15pm GMT Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 27 points. Joint bottom at the midway mark. “Drunken sailors? Chicken walks? You’re having us on, mate.” 7.14pm GMT Judges’ comments: Craig says “needed more retraction, a bit flat-footed and back-weighted but came out and played the character brilliantly”. Motsi says “tiny mistakes but recovered well, standing leg needs work, choreography has gone up a level in difficulty, you’re out sunshine”. Shirley says “weight got too far back in swing sections, use your legs better but very good”. Anton concludes “not your best but not your worst, wonderfully performed”. Sevens, are we saying? Updated at 7.15pm GMT 7.10pm GMT Vicky and Kai’s jive Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington are flying high after last week’s leaderboard-topping tango. Is she building momentum and timing her run perfectly? Vicky turns 38 tomorrow, so qualifying for Blackpool would be a perfect birthday present. Fast and high-energy with plenty of kicks and flicks. Vicky compared herself to Michael Flatley this week and you can see why as her legs pulse and pump away. Does she have the stamina to keep this high-energy to the end? Lacking a little bounce and retraction, needs to be more on her toes at times. Not keeping it compact enough and some mistakes early on. Misses the rhythm in places. The beat of the drum goes round and round indeed. Happy lindyhoppy birthday! Song: Sound of the Underground by Girls Aloud. Their 2002 debut single was the winner’s single from talent contest Popstars: The Rivals and became Christmas number one. It’s the second time Vicky has danced to a Cheryl vocal after her Couple’s Choice to her solo debut Fight For This Love in Icons Week. 7.06pm GMT Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points. Big girls pants on, apparently. Very Bridget Jones. 7.04pm GMT Judges’ comments: Shirley says “much more comfortable, classy and feminine, beautiful footwork, got a bit too forward but goosebump-inducing and fantastic”. Anton says “footwork in harmony, immaculate musicality”. Craig says “needed more float, head in bizarre position during pivots but footwork clean and elegant, loving this partnership”. Motsi concludes “took time, gave us atmosphere, we lived it with you, pure magic”. And no gapping! Eights and nines, do we think? 7.01pm GMT Alex and Jojo’s waltz “Fanilows” assemble. Alex Kingston had a wobble last week, struggling with the paso doble, but now she’s safely back in partner Johannes Radebe’s arms. She’s been taking motion sickness tablets for the spins in this woodland waltz. Some jetty-ography to start, then down into a classical waltz. They’ve been working hard on rise and fall, and eradicating that much-maligned gapping. Slow and smooth, regal and relaxed, moving as one. Elegant glide and sweetly romantic mood. Head position a little off at times and seems to lose balance towards the end but lovely. Leaves fall. Song: Weekend in New England by Barry Manilow. The 1976 sweeping orchestral pop ballad has soundtracked several Strictly waltzes down the years, including those by Mark Wright, Jade Johnson, Rory Bremner and 2004 glitterball winner Jill Halfpenny. 6.57pm GMT Judges’ scores: 9, 10, 9, 10 for a total of 38 points. Same as last week. That’ll take some beating. 6.55pm GMT Judges’ comments: Motsi says “drama, presentation and timing, I put my pen down, a few troublesome turns but stunning”. Shirley says “needed more side-stretch but exquisite arms, sold the story, very good”. Anton makes some random noises and says “thrilling to watch, very exciting”. Craig concludes “wanted more shaping but clean, full of tone, fire and purpose, brilliant”. Nines ahoy? 6.51pm GMT Amber and Nikita’s paso doble Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin scored their first 10s last week but haven’t topped the leaderboard since week two. Can a paso doble propel them back to the top? Nikita has his pecs out in what looks worrying like leather chaps. Amber said this is the toughest routine she’s learned so far but she’s delivering a powerhouse performance. She emerges from a drama as a sort of dark princess. Intense and dramatic, with skirt-swishing and plenty of resistance in her body. Committed character with strong walks and Spanish lines. Passion lacking but dancing on point and a strong finish. Olé! Song: Dream On by Aerosmith. Frontman Steven Tyler wrote the 1973 power ballad while he was still in his teens. It was sampled by Eminem for his 2002 hit Sing For The Moment. 6.48pm GMT Blackpool again. Drink again. 6.47pm GMT Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 27 points. Harsh for me. Dance-off danger already, I fear. 6.45pm GMT Judges’ comments: Anton says “lovely musicality and characterisation, sold it well but a little safe, needed more power”. Craig says “raised shoulders and watch your recovering arm but you always dance with conviction and you’re a beautiful storyteller”. Motsi says “solo parts strong, too careful in hold but shining charisma”. Shirley concludes “neat with your feet, now work on upper half”. Sevens and eights incoming, do we think? 6.42pm GMT Balvinder and Julian’s American smooth EastEnders actor Balvinder Sopal and her pro partner Julian Caillon notched their highest score with last week’s Punjabi-spiced Couple’s Choice. Can she carry that confidence into this show-opening ballroom number? She’s bookies’ favourite for elimination yet again, so has nothing to lose and should just let loose. It’s foxtrot style and Bal did the foxtrot five weeks ago, so the footwork should feel familiar. Shonky CGI street scenes to start and some bouquet-ography, then into hold. Playful choreography with side-by-side synchronicity. Travelling nicely around the floor. Classy and elegant with fun flourishes. Gapping and footwork are slight issues but strong lifts, wow factor and a helping of Hollywood glamour. Sassy finish. Song: My Guy by Mary Wells. The 1964 hit was written and produced by Smokey Robinson. Blue’s Simon Webbe danced a foxtrot to it in 2014 and went on to reach the final. 6.36pm GMT Goodness gracious, Ed Balls Of Fire! 6.36pm GMT These old pics and home videos of the pros and judges at Blackpool are cute, though. Well, until Ann Widdecombe comes along. 6.35pm GMT Blackpool gets the big build-up now with a VT. Drink again! 6.34pm GMT Our Strictly stars™ Our couples emerge on the sparkly staircase for welcome waves. George Clarke had the industry standard chest-out-for-rumba shirt. Nikita Kuzmin is topless in pleather dungarees. My eyes. 6.33pm GMT Judges are in the building Enter the paddle-raising panel of Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke. Shirley’s in a nice frock with flouncy statement sleeves. They’ve dished out 14 perfect 10s so far this series. Will there be more tonight or will they save them for Blackpool? 6.32pm GMT Frockwatch Here’s our two-headed hostly hydra, so let’s do our traditional couture clash. Tess Daly is in a mauve sparkly turtleneck. Claudia Winkleman is in a black, one-shouldered, drop-waisted frock with hair in a chic updo. Claud wins by a mile. 6.31pm GMT Cue clapalong titles Which of these smiling pairs will be starved of fish and chips on Blackpool beach? 6.30pm GMT Aaaaand we’re off! Roll ye olde scene-setting VT. Blackpool-themed, obv. Drink! 6.27pm GMT Gulp some rosé to stop the nervous sweating. Listen out for a Celia Imrie parp. We’re about to be go live to Elstree Studios… 6.24pm GMT Alan Carr’s Picture Slam just wrapping up on BBC1 – a new series of the comedian and Celebrity Traitors winner’s Numberwang-type quiz. Well, I suppose it beats Amanda Holden’s Inner Ring. Just five minutes to wait now… 6.20pm GMT On your dance cards tonight Seven different dance styles on the menu tonight, with American smooths from both Balvinder Sopal and Karen Carney the only doubling-up. We’ll also see a Couple’s Choice number from La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec. It’s 10 minutes until the glitterball starts spinning… 6.15pm GMT Eyes down for Strictly bingo Cross them off as they happen! Take a drink for each! Veer so far off the rails that friends are officially worried! Here’s your 10-point spotter’s checklist for tonight: Blackpool gets mentioned so much that you begin to hear imaginary seagulls Couple’s Choice routine gets wildly over-marked because nobody knows how to judge it A cute cartoon Pudsey bear dances across the screen during a Children In Need plug Anton says of an American smooth “That’s the sort of number I’d like to dance” Motsi and Shirley gang up on Craig when he criticises a hand placement or sticky-up finger George Clarke’s rumba has Tess Daly fanning herself with her cue cards La Voix gives Craig some lip and his poker face dissolves into laughter Claudia interrupts a rambling post-dance interview with “Good luck, the scores are in” Shirley is harsher on Balvinder Sopal’s footwork than she is on the male celebs Craig wears a kiss-me-quick hat or knotted hankie on his head when the voting lines are opened 6.10pm GMT A field in form Half of our remaining eight contestants – namely Amber Davies, Balvinder Sopal, George Clarke and Vicky Pattison – secured their highest score of the series last Saturday. Can they build on that momentum? Just 20 minutes until we find out… 6.06pm GMT Hoofing heroes to reprise their greatest hits News this week four former finalists will return for a spectacular group dance in Blackpool. Ashley Roberts, Danny Mac, Jay McGuiness and Layton Williams will return to the ballroom for one night only, joining the pros for a dazzling routine that will see them each revisit one of their most famous Strictly moments. The Blackpool specials will also feature performances from Lewis Capaldi and Steps. It all sounds like a fitting celebration to mark Tess and Claudia’s farewell trip to the Tower Ballroom. It’s 25 minutes until sparkly showtime…. 6.00pm GMT Who might miss out on a seaside minibreak? Should Albert Square hang out the “welcome home” banner? Once again, EastEnders actor Balvinder Sopal is the bookies’ odds-on tip for elimination this weekend – as she has been for about a month now – followed by her fellow dance-off survivor La Voix. Can this resilient duo defy the odds again? Half an hour until we get our first choreographic clues… 5.58pm GMT The ballroom battle for Blackpool begins The prestigious Tower Ballroom and the bright lights of the Pleasure Beach beckon - but somebody won’t get a seat on the sparkly bus. Good evening and welcome to the eighth live weekend of Strictly Come Dancing 2025. I’m Michael, your cyber-dance partner for tonight’s live show. I’d love you to watch along with me as our eight remaining pro-celebrity pairings bid to make it to next week’s Blackpool spectacular Last week, Vicky Pattison topped the leaderboard with a near-perfect 39 points, followed closely behind by Amber Davies with an impressive 38. After drag queen La Voix turned it on for the dance-off, Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey was eliminated. Our surviving duos have successfully passed the contest’s midway mark and now take to the Elstree Studios dancefloor again, with the annual trip north to the fabled home of ballroom squarely in their sights. As always, tonight’s scores will be combined with the public vote and the bottom two will dance for survival on Sunday night. Will we get a pre-seaside surprise? It’s showtime at 6.30pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and ballroom backchat. So start mentally packing your overnight bag with your most spangly disco garb and I’ll see you on the sofa. As usual, 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 open for hoofing hubbub. I’ll knee-walk down there from time to time to see what you’re all saying and report on your reactions. It’s week eight, so don’t be late. Nearly time to staaaart seaside qualifying!