Strictly Come Dancing: week seven – live

8.39pm GMT Thank you and a glittery goodnight - for now That concludes Saturday’s hot hoofing action but we’ll be back on the ballroom beat tomorrow. The results show airs at the slightly earlier time of 7.10pm Sunday on BBC1. I’ll boot up the blog at 6.40pm for build-up, so I hope you’ll join me then. In the meantime, I’m @michaelhogan on Twitter/X, so please do flerkerl past and say hi, before executing a classic contra check to make Anton go gooey. Thanks for watching along with me and your excellent company. You truly do make my Saturday nights several times shinier. Meet you here tomorrow to see whose name is on the slate to be banished from the ballroom next. In the meantime, whether you’re a Faithful or a Traitor: keeeeeep dancing! And always own up to your nervous farts. Goodnight and god bless. 8.36pm GMT Well, if Shirley can do it with her dance school, so can I. It wouldn’t be a liveblog without a brief plug for my novel, The Dogwalkers’ Detective Agency. It’s a Kindle Monthly Deal for November, meaning the ebook is available for a wag-ulous 99p for a limited time only. You can order here and make a debut author very happy. And thanks to all the lovely commenters already reading and being kind about it. It means a lot from you guys *sheds a tear, Claudia organises a conga to cheer me up* 8.33pm GMT Oh and a nice Celebrity Traitors-themed sign-off from MikeMoonlight: “In a surprising twist, this week’s casting vote will be going to guest judge David Olusoga, who will probably end up saving Ross King.” 8.31pm GMT G1adys says: “I thought this might be Harry’s dance but it was all about muscle-flexing. I’d put it in the dance off with La Voix.” IvanTiger says: “Some good samba steps in there from Harry plus lots of bounce. Liked it. The proper music helped.” MikeMoonlight adds: “Harry is probably one week away from performing the legendary ‘dancing pecs and balloons to cover your modesty’ routine from the 70s and 80s, soundtracked by Joe Loss’s ‘Wheels Cha-cha-Cha’.” Updated at 8.42pm GMT 8.30pm GMT Tanya92 says: “I’m thrilled to ribbons with that tango from Vicky and I think the judges will be too.” tomatopincushion says: “Sorry, Vicky & Kai, we were too busy singing along to watch the dance! Swiftie household here.” EnglishAthene says: “Frock of the week! I love teal. Not sure about Kai’s face pulling!” Likeavisionhedances says: “At one point, Kai reminded me of Ted from Gone Fishing!” YodaknowsAll says: “This is the first week I have thought that Vicky has actually partnered Kai as opposed to relying on him. Her best dance for me, with lovely footwork, posture and lines.” GDPD1971 says: “I don’t even mind her screaming because she’s really genuinely excited!” Bianco adds: “Oh knock it off, y’all. Very few people have died of someone else screaming. I’m kind of happy to see someone who clearly hasn’t been told to ‘tone it down’ their whole life.” Updated at 8.43pm GMT 8.27pm GMT SaintJulieOfAndrews says: “The wonderful Nikita is far too thrusty these days. He’s putting me off my crisps!” ACSCD1 says: “Amber’s feet touched the floor about 50% of the routine.” The_Scumbrian says: “Blimey, Nikita is flinging her about like it’s Dancing on Ice.” MarkRoche says: “Felt more like a disco showdance than a salsa.” whistledownthewind adds: “God bless Craig for mouthing ‘Too much!’ during Nikita’s groin-thrusting on the judges’ desk. I nearly spat out my Horlicks!” Updated at 8.43pm GMT 8.23pm GMT IvanTiger says: “Nice fleckerls from George but his posture’s still not right. Although he’s graceful and has musicality.” 02022020 says: “I loved that from George too, it was proper Viennese travel. Maybe a bit up and down, but what a feeling!” SparklingDormouse says: Like George’s suit! Bit showy for a Viennese but good movement. Would have been better if we could have seen their footwork all the time.” MikeMoonlight adds: “If George suddenly fell ill and couldn’t dance, they could probably get one of his three friends to stand in for him and nobody would notice the difference.” Updated at 8.44pm GMT 8.21pm GMT Jamesa0330 says: “I found that Couple’s Choice from Balvinder hugely enjoyable. I normally hate the sympathy dance. It was both thrilling and moving.” ButterflyBlu says: “That was amazing and full of joy from Balvinder. Loved that. Her mum would have been so proud of her ♡.” MollyintheFolly says: “Well, that was amazing. First dance of the night that has entirely kept my attention.” TiggyStardust adds: “We moved from grief in Balvinder’s VT to joy in her dance. I feel really moved. If she’s in the dance-off again, I suggest a riot.” I’ll be right behind you, Tiggy. Updated at 8.45pm GMT 8.19pm GMT Bit of a sense of mid-series lull, do we think? Lots of commenters seemed a tad underwhelmed with tonight’s episode. 8.18pm GMT girlpanic says: “I enjoyed that foxtrot from La Voix and Aljaž but I’m not sure how correct the technique was and it didn’t really excite me as much as I wanted it to.” Heartticker says: “Who would not want to dance a foxtrot with Aljaz? It was uplifting and quite joyful.I do love this partnership but the actual dance was just ok at best.” ladyglencora says: “Loving the candy floss hair and sherbet shades in the frock but that foxtrot didn’t quite deliver. Seriously shonky footwork in places.” paperview says: “It was a stroke of genius putting Aljaz and La Voix together. The relationship was a bit rocky at the beginning but the sense of fun and respect for each other has really grown. I know there were problems with that foxtrot but they really appeared to be enjoying dancing together.” Irreverentnurse adds: “‘Flat footed? I held it together but I’m furious.’ Very good. La Voix.” Updated at 8.46pm GMT 8.16pm GMT ladyglencora says: “No fireworks for me with Alex’s paso. She seemed to have her tango face on. It needed more passion.” Audreyshandbag says: “Jojo looking like a very expensive cat again and Alex looking gorgeous. Maybe it’s just me but it felt a bit flat.” jagadox says: “Not Alex’s dance but she certainly looked the part.” DotGranville adds: “First time I’ve seen Alex hesitant. She danced in the wrong shoes. Blockier heels and a trap across the instep help flamenco-type footwork. If she’s in the dance-off, she should change shoes. We don’t want to lose her.” Loving that detail, Dot. Updated at 8.47pm GMT 8.14pm GMT styletraveller says: “Love Karen’s attitude. She just goes for it and looks as if she is having a ball. Wonderful stuff.” YodaknowsAll says: “Just a touch out of sync in places but what a great Charleston from Karen. Not too sure about the music, mind.” Nerdofhyrule says: “Karen to me is the most likely to win. She’s humble and sweet and getting better all the time. Her jive and Argentine tango are still the best for me.” Jennifera030 says: “Whoever picked Upside Down for a Charleston needs a drug test and their hard drive checked. Ridiculous.” LazyMillennial adds: “I just realised they dressed Karen in the same shade of brown as that infamously awful Coventry strip from the 70s, presumably as a tribute to West Midlands football.” Updated at 8.47pm GMT 8.12pm GMT Readers’ verdicts are in Time to take the temperature of our glittery community’s comments. Bigted1980 says: “What is going on with the music tonight? Nothing seems to go with the choreography.” EdiSteve says: “Is that Shirley mentioning her private lessons for the second week running?” TallulahBankhead says: “I thought Lewis’s cha-cha moves looked just too sharp, to the point of almost looking stiff. Some softness in there would have improved it.” TheMathDiva says: Very entertaining but how much cha-cha was there? Seemed like a lot of Katya showing off and Lewis gyrating around her. Still, Lewis did look a bit fit.” SnailyWhaley adds: “Did Vicky Gill run out of time to make Lewis a proper top? A sparkly unbuttoned shirt would be much better than an M&S vest.” Updated at 8.49pm GMT 8.09pm GMT From orange faces to green ones TV viewers can now flip to Sky Max for Wicked: One Wonderful Night, starring Strictly’s own Cynthia Erivo, stay on BBC1 for Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel or head to ITV1 for The 1% Club. At 9pm, choose from The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance on BBC1 or Girlbands Forever on BBC2. If you fancy a film, tonight’s recommendations are Quiz Show (9pm on Great TV), Midnight Run (9pm on Comedy Central), Gangs Of New York (11.05 pm on Film4). T2: Trainspotting (11.30pm on Channel 4), American Psycho (12.35am on ITV4) and La La Land (12.40am on BBC2). People love what other people are passionate about… 8.04pm GMT Eyes down, it’s the Golden Glitterballs Who’s going home with this week’s liveblog baubles? Here are this week’s lucky gong-getters… Best dance: Vicky Pattison’s leaderboard-topping tango. I also loved Balvinder and George. Worst dance: The Latin disappointments from Nitro and Alex Kingston. Best music choice: Taylor Swift and Mama Cass sounded good Worst music choice: That Charleston to a Diana Ross/Aretha Franklin mash-up was a dog’s dinner. Best outfit: Vicky and Alex’s frocks were both stunners. Worst outfit: Amber and Nikita’s disco horrors were distinctly “Carwash night at the student union”. Best VT: An emotional night of VTs, with La Voix and Alex both getting weepy, but the prize goes to Balvinder’s lovely tribute to her late mum. Worst VT: Those “content creators” visiting George in training. Bumfluff moustaches and bad knitwear ahoy. Best judges’ comment: Craig sniped amusingly at Anton all night, saying “there’s nothing there” when he thrusted his groin and telling Motsi that if she tried those lifts with Anton, “you’d end up in hospital”. Best Claudia quip: “That’s more than I needed,” when Katya mentioned beads of Lewis’ sweat landing in her mouth . Also leading a conga to cheer up Alex. Updated at 8.09pm GMT 7.59pm GMT Those week seven standings Vicky Pattison tops the scoreboard for the first time, with Amber Davies in second spot. La Voix is way down at the bottom, with Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Alex Kingston tied just above. As always, though, the public vote plays its part in deciding which two pairs will dance again for survival tomorrow night. It could also be a nervy wait for George Clarke and Balvinder Sopal. 7.57pm GMT Credits roll “Keeeeeep dancing,” trill Tess and Claud. As the sparkly confetti is swept up by an unassuming janitor who might well be a kung fu-fighting crime-fighter in his spare time, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments. 7.56pm GMT The casting vote goes to… This week, the deciding vote in the dance-off goes to… Motsi Mabuse! It’s not been the exciting innovation they thought but let’s keep faith that this format tweak will pay dividends one Sunday. 7.55pm GMT Tonight’s nifty nine routines get rewound on-screen. Which firecrackers are you voting for? Which damp squibs are you definitely not? 7.55pm GMT And the vote is… open! Online-only, of course. Phonelines are so last season. A fancy-dressed farrago erupts. Nikita lifts Claudia and nearly gives her a hernia. 7.54pm GMT Judges’ scores: 7, 8, 7, 8 for a total of 30 points. Joint second bottom. Dance-off danger? Updated at 8.50pm GMT 7.53pm GMT Judges’ comments: Shirley says “a crowd-pleaser, sensational hip rolls but work on the footwork and knee action”. Anton says “loved your energy, you brought everything and I enjoyed it”. Craig says “happy with the pecs, less so with the rise and fall, needed a softer knee, brought the carnival, intoxicating”. Motsi concludes “felt the rhythm and bounce, you have an aura and bring joy but I want the details”. Sevens and eights, do we think? 7.49pm GMT Harry and Karen’s samba Harry Aikines-Aryeetey - aka Nitro from Gladiators - finished bottom of the leaderboard last week and was relieved to be lifted clear of the dance-off by viewer votes. Now he’s forgetting such worries and letting loose with a Rio carnival dance. Some dancing pecs to start and then into a rhythmical race-up with hip rotation and bounce action. Controlling his energy, just about, in a bid to nail the samba technique. Harry and pro partner Karen Hauer are bringing the party. A whisk move and plenty of joy. Flagged a bit towards the end and lacking a little musicality maybe, but fluid, supple and fun. Song: Samba by Gloria Estefan. The Latin pop-queen’s Brazilian-flavoured 2020 remake of her classic hit Conga. 7.46pm GMT Judges’ scores: 9, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. Top of the leaderboard with one dance to go. Airpunches and leaps of celebration. “It felt like dancing with a professional,” says Kai. Howay the lass. 7.43pm GMT Judges’ comments: Anton says “absolutely marvellous, loved it, compact hold, great line, immaculate, I’m stunned it was so good”. Craig says “your left hand bothered me, apart from that it was perfect”. Motsi says “it proves you’re a contender for the final, dance of the night”. Shirley concludes “belief, narrative, remarkable, I’m with Motsi”. Vicky can’t believe those comment. Thrilled for her. Nines and even a 10 or two? 7.41pm GMT Vicky and Kai’s tango Swifties assemble! Vicky Pattison’s Strictly playlist has been heavy on the pop divas, with Madonna, Bonnie Tyler and Cheryl in recent weeks. Queens all. She’s been the field’s steadiest improver in terms of scores, with last week the first time that she didn’t increase her total. But she’s consistently getting eights now and has become a fixture in mid-table. Kai Widdrington said this week that he thought the tango was her best ballroom dance yet and he might just be right. Flat and fierce in close hold. Regal mood. Slow, stalking promenades with sharp swivels and and clipped staccato. Footwork a little hurried in a couple of places but excellent characterisation and real fire. Loved that. Song: The Fate of Ophelia by Taylor Swift. The lead single from her recent album, The Life Of A Showgirl, is a synth-pop banger inspired by the doomed, drowned Hamlet character. It broke global records for the most-streamed song on Spotify. The lyrics include references to Swift’s relationship with fiancé Travis Kelce, portraying him as an honourable man who saved her from heartbreak and tragedy. Updated at 7.42pm GMT 7.37pm GMT Judges’ scores: 9, 10, 9, 10 for a total of 38 points. Her highest score and first 10s, top of the leaderboard as it stands. Amber does some “X Factor phone-hand” on the balcony. Memories of Eoghan Quigg. Just me? 7.35pm GMT Judges’ comments: Shirley says “fluid, flexible, lovely rotation and tricks, great chemistry, really enjoyed it”. Anton makes a lot of noises. Craig says “a-may-zing”. Motsi concludes “absolutely spectacular”. Wow. Nines and 10s en route? 7.32pm GMT Amber and Nikita’s salsa The salsa has led to two eliminations this series (Thomas Skinner and Chris Robshaw), so Amber Davies is bidding not to make it a third. All about connection with her partner Nikita Kuzmin. She needs to let herself go to nail the spicy Cuban vibe and energy. Started in a lift, which is unusual, then into a sparkly disco salsa with changes of rhythm. Fast and flirty. She’s been scoring consistently in the mid-30s. Can she start turning those eights and nines into her first 10? Spinning headbanger lift, lacks a little hip action and Latin spice but undoubtedly accomplished and another lift to finish. Song: You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) by Sylvester. The 1978 disco classic and Hi-NRG gay anthem was later covered by Jimmy Somerville and Byron Stingily, whose versions charted in 1989 and 1997 respectively. Georgia May Foote and Giovanni Pernice (remember him?) performed a Strictly salsa to it 10 years ago. 7.28pm GMT Judges’ scores: 8, 8, 9, 9 for a total of 34 points. His highest score. Joint third as it stands. His property presenter namesake will be pleased. 7.26pm GMT Did I see the other George Clarke in the audience? Amazing (spaces). 7.26pm GMT Judges’ comments: Motsi says “you’re back and I’m happy, beautiful atmosphere, used the entire floor, a tiny hop but I love seeing you do ballroom”. Shirley says “back with a bang, some of the best footwork I’ve seen”. Anton says “you shifted, proper dancing, that’s what we’re after, immaculate footwork, we felt the emotion”. Craig concludes “I disagree, footwork not perfect for me, too much rise and fall, got skippy and missed a beat but you’re a strong couple and dance with such ease”. A seven and some nines, are we saying? 7.22pm GMT George and Alexis’ Viennese waltz YouTuber George Clarke and his pro partner Alexis Warr have definitely hit a plateau in the contest. He needs a breakthrough dance and could it be this romantic ballroom number? He needs to believe in himself, embrace the character and not hold back. George looking dapper in a tail suit, which is a welcome change from last week’s terrible Halloween hairpiece. Proper footwork. Breath and flow. Spinning rotation and buttery smooth as they twirl around the floor. This is more like it. Footwork falters in patches but romantic mood and lovely movement. Enjoyed that. Song: Somebody to Love by Queen. The 1976, Aretha Franklin-inspired anthem layered the vocals of Freddie Mercury, Brian May and Roger Taylor to create the impression of a 100-strong gospel choir. It has sountracked two pervious Vienneses on Strictly: Simon Webbe and Kristina Rihanoff’s in 2014, and Chris Ramsey and Karen Hauer’s in 2019. Updated at 8.52pm GMT 7.19pm GMT Judges’ scores: 7, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 34 points. “The most fun week of my entire dance career,” says Julian. Surely she’ll be safe this week? Updated at 8.54pm GMT 7.16pm GMT Judges’ comments: Craig says “totally obsessed with this style of dance but it lacked definition, needed to be cleaner and sharper, but your shaping and timing was superb, you owned that”. Motsi says “your mum is watching and so proud of you, it was feminine and not too hard, controlled details”. Shirley says “your best dance so far, beautiful arms and hands, in your element, Julian killed it too, fantastic team”. Anton concludes “nailed that, more secure than before, a joy”. Always hard to judge a Couple’s Choice but eights and nines, do we reckon? 7.12pm GMT Balvinder and Julian’s Couple’s Choice EastEnders actor Balvinder Sopal and her pro partner Julian Caillon are now triple dance-off survivors but what better way to fight back than a commercial Couple’s Choice, paying homage to Bal’s Indian roots? They’re both barefoot for this fusion of Bhangra and Bollywood. Balvinder looking lovely in a golden traditional dress. Earthy, grounded, strong and powerful, then switching into some softer, more elegant moves. Vibrant and banging. Lovely side-by-side stuff. Great lifts and hankie-ography. Expressive with bags of energy. Genuinely uplifting. Confetti falls. Yes, Bal! Song: Sapphire by Ed Sheeran & Arijit Singh. This summer’s multilingual, cross-cultural hit fusing pop with Punjabi music was recorded in Goa. Updated at 8.54pm GMT 7.07pm GMT Judges’ scores: 6, 8, 7, 8 for a total of 29 points. Bottom as it stands. Updated at 8.56pm GMT 7.05pm GMT Judges’ comments: Anton says “uplifting, enjoyed it enormously, heel turns a little home-made and stride pattern got short, try to elongate the backward steps but lovely feel and musicality”. Craig says “left shoulder raised, free arm needs attention and it lacked togetherness but love your exuberant presentation”. Motsi says “I see your new-found love of dance, translate that sunshine into your body, keep on shining”. Shirley concludes “sunshine upstairs, raining downstairs, a bit flat-footed and out of sync but always a joy to watch”. Sevens and eights? 7.01pm GMT La Voix and Aljaž’s foxtrot Drag queen La Voix joined the 30s club with last week’s Queen Of Hearts paso doble, by far her best dance. Can she maintain momentum while going from power to softness? She hasn’t done ballroom for four weeks but the foxtrot is partner Aljaž Škorjanec’s favourite dance. Lying down on the dancefloor to start. Woodstock hippy vibes in a shimmery rainbow frock. Gliding, flowing and fluid. Topline wobbles and posture not perfect with the odd bit of gapping. Lacks a little smoothness but petals fall and high performance value as always. Lovely. Song: Make Your Own Kind of Music by Cass Elliot. The 1969 bubblegum pop anthem by Mama Cass featured prominently in plane crash drama Lost. It was later covered by Paloma Faith of “murdered in plain sight by Alan Carr on The Celebrity Traitors” fame *touches face with poison pollen*. 6.57pm GMT Judges’ scores: 7, 8, 7, 8 for a total of 30 points. Alex is weepy but gets a group hug on the Clauditorium. Updated at 8.57pm GMT 6.55pm GMT Judges’ comments: Motsi says “the first time I’ve felt insecurity from you but you move like a queen, come back and show us your fire”. Shirley says “stumbled on a few steps but technicalities were fantastic elsewhere, lacked passion, fire and spatial awareness”. Anton says “regal, well-schooled and studious but looked a little nervous”. Craig concludes “tense shoulders, lacked shaping, too placed and careful, lacked showbiz pizzazz, too middle-of-the-road”. Sevens incoming? 6.51pm GMT Alex and Jojo’s paso doble Alex Kingston has excelled at Latin so far, with her rumba, salsa and samba all scoring highly. Now she and pro partner Johannes Radebe are telling the story of the bullfight, clad in black lacy outfits. Imperious characterisation. Packed with content and traditional steps. Great chemistry. Fiery and passionate, as you’d expect from an actor who always brings the drama. She’s been working hard in training on that contorted banana shape but those curved Spanish lines are a little lacking. Flat-footed at times but powerful and punchy. A high-class paso, if not a spicy one. Song: Amparito Roca by Jaime Teixidor. The famous 1925 piece, named after one of the composer’s 12-year-old piano students. McFly’s Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden also performed a paso to it during the 2021 series. 6.48pm GMT Judges’ scores: 8, 10 (woah!), 8, 9 for a total of 35 points. Same as Lewis. Carlos says it’s the most difficult routine he’s ever done on Strictly. 6.46pm GMT Judges’ comments: Craig says “a right little bobby-dazzler, incredible, could’ve done more swivel and lifts got sticky but your energy was amazing”. Motsi says “dynamic and on-top, naturally expressive, I love you”. Shirley says “fast-paced and difficult but swivelling was a little missing and off-balance in places but lots to like”. Anton concludes “congratulations to Carlos for keeping up, lindhop part tremendous”. Eights and nines? 6.43pm GMT Karen and Carlos’ Charleston I’ve been looking forward to this. Former Lioness Karen Carney, riding high after scorting her first 10s for last week’s Peaky Blinders-capped Argentine tango, should have the sporty stamina and fast feet required here. Her pro partner Carlos Gu’s previous Charlestons have scored 35 and 38 points. No pressure. Gimmicky upside-down opening, then into a quirky, happy dance packed with lifts, tricks, flicks and kicks. Loads of steps and bounce. Cute outfits, with Karen in “skorts”, braces and blouse. Craig “Swivel” Horwood will have a beady eye on those ankles. Out of sync at times and a little messy in the upper body. Giving it welly, fast as hell but not quite gellling for me. Song: Upside Down/Think by Diana Ross/Aretha Franklin. A funky mash-up of the Niles Rodgers-produced 1980 disco classic and the 1968 soul anthem which was famously featured on The Blues Brothers soundtrack. Updated at 8.59pm GMT 6.39pm GMT Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points. Setting a high bar for the next eight couples. 6.37pm GMT Judges’ comments: Shirley says “I like it like that, well-balanced, did a grand job”. Anton says “he’s barely out of breath and barely dressed, timing and fluidity brilliant, a little bit hard in the base”. Craig says “a little try-hard and hit the shapes too hard but insane rhythm and hips on fire”. Motsi concludes “I loved it like that, cool Cuban vibe”. Nines ahoy? 6.34pm GMT Lewis and Katya’s cha cha cha Vest-clad actor Lewis Cope goes from Hartlepool to Havana. Last week’s triumphant Couple’ Choice scored a perfect 40 (only the second ever maximum for pro partner Katya Jones) and was hailed as one of the best dances in Strictly history. A lot to live up to, so the technically tricky Cuban party dance could see Lewis come crashing back to earth – or perhaps not. Lots of exposing solo work which he handles with style. Low, deep and grounded down below. More fluid and free in the upper body. Cheeky, flirty feel with wiggling hip action. A large helping of Cuban sauce. Man, he’s good. Katya clearly loving having a great partner. Phew, a spicy start to the show. Song: I Like It Like That by Pete Rodriguez. The 1967 boogaloo hit was covered in the 90s by Latin supergroup The Blackout All-Stars version. Its use in a Burger King ad also contributed to its resurgence in popularity, More recently, it was sampled by rapper Cardi B (full name: Cardigan Buttons). Updated at 6.37pm GMT 6.31pm GMT Our Strictly stars™ Our couples come out for a staircase welcome wave. Nitro’s got his pecs out. So has Aussie Julian. Some singalong air-punching to Bon Jovi, oddly. 6.29pm GMT Judges ahoy We welcome the paddle-raisibng panel of Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke. All in black, with Shirley’s frock oddly matronly. They raised six 10s last week. Will we see any maximums tonight? 6.28pm GMT Frockwatch Here’s our presentational dream duo, so let’s do the traditional frock-off. Tess Daly is a sparkly black halterneck frock. Claudia Winkleman is in a black sequinned shirt and trousers with white stilettoes. Claud wins, like a sort of couture Alan Carr. Updated at 6.29pm GMT 6.27pm GMT Cue clapalong titles Which of these grinning couples will be falling at the halfway hurdle? 6.26pm GMT Aaaaand we’re off! Roll the industry standard scene-setting VT. Split or shaft? Sorry, wrong show. 6.23pm GMT Close your curtains on any fireworks and concentrate on the dance pyrotechnics instead. We’re about to be rocketed over live to Elstree Studios… 6.20pm GMT Amanda Holden-hosted quiz The Celebrity Inner Circle just wrapping up on BBC1. I’ve been subjected to six episodes of this now and am still none the wiser about the rules. A mere five minutes to wait now… 6.18pm GMT On your dance cards tonight For the first time this series, there are no overlaps, so we’ll be treated to nine different styles tonight, including a Charleston from Karen Carney and a Bollywood-flavoured Couple’s Choice from Balvinder Sopal. Not long now until the glitterball starts spinning… 6.14pm GMT Strictly alumnus Quentin Willson RIP Sad news today that former Top Gear presenter Quentin Willson has died aged 68 after being diagnosed with lung cancer. He occupies a place in Strictly history, of course, although not a terribly illustrious one. After being partnered with Hazel Newberry in the second series, he was eliminated first and his eight-point cha-cha still stands as the lowest score ever awarded by the judges. Perhaps dear departed Len Goodman can give him lessons up in dance heaven. It’s 10 minutes until the spangly curtain comes up…. 6.09pm GMT Remember, remember, it’s 8th November bingo Tick them off when you spot them! Take a drink for each! Wind up handcuffed to a confused policeman in Amsterdam! Here’s tonight’s 10-point spotter’s checklist: The judges have no idea how to mark a Couple’s Choice so make it up as they go along Craig Revel Horwood insists that a Charleston isn’t quirky or swivelly enough Struggling celebrity plays the cute kid/nanna card in their VT Shirley Ballas mentions footwork details and “fundamentals” Lewis Cope unconvincingly denies that scoring a perfect 40 last week raised pressure or expectations Anton du Beke coos over a classic ballroom number and says it’s the sort of routine he would’ve loved to dance Vicky Pattison’s post-dance interview involves mention of her nerves/an animal reference Motsi Mabuse pretty much tells Craig to shut up and stop nitpicking The newly eliminated Vito Coppola becomes chief cheerleader on the balcony Dave Arch’s band do well with a classic tune but make a right mess of a contemporary pop banger 6.05pm GMT Get well soon, Amy News this week that beloved Strictly pro Amy Dowden will sit out the rest of the series after undergoing a second mastectomy. The 35-year-old from Caerphilly was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 after discovering a lump in her breast during her honeymoon. She has reassured fans that the latest operation wasn’t related to a new diagnosis and that she’s “looking forward to rejoining the Strictly family” when her health has improved. We wish her well with her recovery. It’s 20 minutes until that ba-ba-da theme tune… 6.00pm GMT A Nitro vs Suki dance-off? Perhaps unsurprisingly, Balvinder Sopal and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey are the bookies’ tips for the bottom two this week, followed - slightly more surprisingly - by Amber Davies. Can this endangered trio defy the odds? It’s 25 minutes until we get our first choreographic clues… 5.55pm GMT Whose half-term report will say “see me”? Someone won’t make it past the midway mark. Good evening and welcome to the seventh live weekend of Strictly Come Dancing 2025. I’m Michael, your virtual dance partner for tonight’s mercifully non-themed live show. You are warmly invited to watch along with me as our nine remaining couples reach the halfway point of the contest. Last week’s Halloween Spooktacular saw some spookily high scoring. Lewis Cope got the first perfect 40 of the series for his stunning Couple’s Choice and Karen Carney also scored two 10s for her Peaky Blinders-themed Argentine tango. Down the bottom Balvinder Sopal was consigned to her third dance-off but Ellie Goldstein was sadly eliminated. Tonight the nine surviving pro-celebrity pairings take to the floor again, bidding to get past the midway point and enter Strictly’s home stretch. Yes, it’s all downhill from here until Christmas. It’s showtime at 6.25pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 5.55pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and ooh-aah verbal fireworks. So light a sparkler on the hob, get your teeth stuck in a toffee apple and I’ll see you on the sofa. As ever, 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 choreographic conversation. I’ll samba-bounce down there whenever I can to see what you’re all saying and quote your sage words up top. So please don’t be shy about sharing your thoughts. It’s week seven and we’re going to hoofing heaven. Nearly time to staaaart halfway dancing!