Strictly Come Dancing: week six – as it happened

8.59pm GMT Thank you and a ghoulish goodnight - for now I’m closing my coffin lid now but will be rising from the dead tomorrow. The results show airs at 7.15pm Sunday on BBC1. I’ll reanimate the blog at 6.45pm for build-up, so I hope you’ll rejoin me then. In the meantime, I’m @michaelhogan on Twitter aka “X”, so please do creep past, covered in blood, and say hello. Thanks for watching along with me and your deliciously devilish company. Meet you here tomorrow to see who’s being sent to their glittery grave. In the meantime, as is traditional: keeeeeep dancing! Take care and a ghostly goodnight. 8.54pm GMT Finally, Somersetlass says of Alex Kingston: “Wow! Dance of the night for me. Alex positively sizzled and Jojo was his most outrageously camp self. A. May. Zing.” TiggyStardust says: “Johannes looked like he was living his best Kylie life.” girlpanic says: “I love Jojo’s outfit. Alex looks great too. I’m not sure her hips were quite there for the salsa but she gave it her all as ever. Another fun dance.” Heartticker says: “Love Alex. She throws herself into every performance and acts her way through every dance as a different character. I do think JoJo out-danced her a little. I enjoyed it but not as much as the judges. Hated the music with a passion, though.” whoarethesepeople says: “I loved Amber’s dance, it looked fluid and flowy. Not to Shirley’s taste but that is the fault of the choreography.” gladarvor adds: “Oh, that was a Viennese waltz with an edge. Very, very nice.” Updated at 9.04pm GMT 8.51pm GMT IvanTiger says: “Excellent Argentine tango to superb music, brilliantly sung. Karen was brilliant at that dance. Impressed.” paperview says: “Good Lord, Karen just smashed that Argentine Tango. She was absolutely brilliant. What a dancer! In bits of that, she was better than Carlos. Wow.” SparklingDormouse says: “Generally a fan of a traditional Argentine tango but here in a big way for that from Karen and Carlos! Loved the styling and staccato of that. Really different and fab! Yes!” fihema says: “That tango from Karen and Carlos just made me smile. So, so good. Great, even. Electric. Maybe even a better show than Peaky Blinders. She’s really changing the footballers’ rep on the dancefloor. Bravo.” Vicc adds: “I wasn’t expecting anything particularly amazing from Karen’s AT as it is such a difficult dance. I was delighted to have my expectations smashed to smithereens. Fantastic!” Updated at 9.05pm GMT 8.48pm GMT acanthe says: “Why does no one really mention Balvinder’s beautiful hands and arm movements?” Sebnose says: “Loving Balvinder’s outfit. I do love a sequin. Will the paying audience remember to vote for this, though, in the shadow of Lewis and Katya’s brilliance?” Somersetlass says: “An expressive, controlled rumba from Balvinder. She’s gained in confidence and has improved so much. Julian seems a great partner.” Aine183 says: “Is Harry trying to be voted out? Ridiculous costumes, weird setting and a lacklustre dance.” gliese says: “I feel like Happy-Go-Lucky Harry is dancing in a muscular straitjacket and is a bit bound by that. But lovely guy.” Heartticker adds: “Now I LOVE an American Smooth but I didn’t really like that. I’m quite disappointed. I wanted to like it because Harry and Karen are a great partnership but think he might be in trouble this week. Maybe it was lost to the Halloween theme, music and costumes.” Updated at 9.07pm GMT 8.46pm GMT Sparkling Dormouse says: “Excellent from La Voix! Loved that! The drama was brilliant. Didn’t expect that from her.” Lidoswimmer says: “Well, that was rather good. La Voix (and Aljaz) are doing a good job of keeping her personality but actually bringing the dancing chops when it could all have just been a turn. Proper music helped too.” LegTheory says: “Creep as a show tune? What would Thom say? I kinda like it.” IvanTiger says: “Lewis is dancing better than Katya. Total joy to watch and a fab Couple’s Choice to show off his range with. Loved it.” Miranda07 says: “Until now, I didn’t think anything would top the Gio/Faye Halloween Couple’s Choice. That dance from Katya/Lewis was A-MA-ZING!” pubbore adds: “This is just musical theatre, so we are literally watching two professionals. They can’t even lean on the usual ringer excuse of ‘just because you’re a dancer it doesn’t mean you can do ballroom’.” Updated at 9.10pm GMT 8.43pm GMT ACSCD1 says: “Bloody lighting, very difficult to see if Ellie and Vito were in sync all the way through, especially as they moved back up the stairs. Still looked good from what I could make out.” Irreverentnurse says: “Well done, Ellie, that was a seriously serious face.” LazyMillennial says: “‘This week we needed to be a bit more serious,’ says Vito, while dressed as a rabbit.” MarkRoche says: “Mmm, well, Alexis Warr was astounding in that routine. George Clarke seems to have gone off the boil the last couple of weeks, but I’d like to think he’s still a contender.” ReclinedPotato says: “George must have had a busy week, judging by the lack of content and effort. Surprising after his bottom placement last week.” Pancake01 adds: “Alexis has new pro syndrome. Wants to show she is a good dancer, rather than showing off her partner and focusing on the basics. Fundamentals again. Sorry. Drink!” Updated at 9.11pm GMT 8.40pm GMT On Vicky Pattison, paperview says “Vicki’s arms were great but her feet were all over the place.” fihema says “I enjoyed that from Vicky, though either her feet were a touch shovel-like or the white shoes caused an optical illusion now and again. Possibly the shoes. Good, though. Very different mood from her previous dances, and easy to watch.” Somersetlass adds “I love Total Eclipse but it’s very hard to dance to. Still, Vicky was appropriately smooth and beautifully yearning. I rather loved that.” Updated at 9.14pm GMT 8.36pm GMT Readers’ verdicts are in Time for a vox pop of your petrifying thoughts. pretentiouspenguin says: “I miss when they used to dance to music from horror films or horror-themed tracks for Halloween week. Now it’s just like a normal week but in fancy dress.” AndyPandy21 says “A big thank you to the whole Strictly team for a fabulous Halloween. You threw the kitchen cauldron at it and I for one was under the spell!” ReclinedPotato adds “Shirley plugging her dancing school! Shameless self-promotion. You may however be interested that our beloved blogger has recently written a book.” Funny you should say that, ReclinedPotato! My debut novel The Dogwalkers’ Detective Agency has been chosen as a Kindle Monthly Deal for November. This means the ebook is available for a wag-ulous 99p for a limited time only. You can order here. Canine cosy crime! Ideal autumnal reading! Commercial interlude ends! Updated at 9.15pm GMT 8.29pm GMT Golden Glitterballs: Ghoulish Ediion Who’s taking home the skull-shaped prizes on fright night? Here are this week’s grateful gong-getters… Best dance: Lewis Cope was spectacular but Karen Carney’s was arguably even more of an air punch moment. Worst dance: For me, a tie between George Clarke and Nitro off of TV’s Gladiators. Best music choice: That big band version of Radiohead’s Creep. Worst music choice: Charli XCX would be turning on her grave if she was dead. And less of a Brat. Best outfit: Karen and Carlos’ androgynous Peaky Blinders costumes were pipped at the last by Jojo’s drapey devil number. Worst outfit: Nitro and Karen Hauer weren’t done many favours with that Bacofoil. Best VT: Either Ellie’s family surprising her in training or Lewis visiting his huge family in Hartlepool. Worst VT: Nitro and Karen, er, eating ice cream. Seemed to be phoned in. Best judges’ comment: Anton to Tess: “Don’t you start. I’ve told you before, they’re my own teeth.” Best Claudia quip: When Amber expressed nerves about closing the show: “I won’t mention it again. You dance whenever you want.” Updated at 8.32pm GMT 8.23pm GMT From glitterballs to girlbands You can now stay on BBC1 for Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel, head to ITV1 for The 1% Club or flip to BBC2 for Girlband Night – the centrepiece of which is new docuseries Girlbands Forever at 9.20pm. Also at 9.20pm is Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue on BBC1, Romesh Ranganathan’s Parents’ Evening on ITV1 or The Meghan Effect: How She Shook Up the Royal Family on Channel 5. There’s also a rerun of classic 80s drama Edge of Darkness at 9pm on BBC4. I’d recommend treating yourself or recording it if you’ve never had the pleasure. Tonight’s film picks are Minority Report (8.30pm on ITV2), M3gan (9pm on Film4), Out Of Sight (9pm on Great TV), Tremors (10.50pm on ITV4), Trainspotting (11.20pm on Film4) and One Fine Morning (12.50am on BBC2). We call him Mother Superior on account of the length of his habit. 8.22pm GMT Halloween Spooktacular standings Lewis Cope tops the supernatural scoreboard after the first perfect 40 of the series. Cheeky, peaky Karen Carney is in second spot. Harry Aikines-Aryeetey languishes way down at the bottom, with Ellie Goldstein just above. As always, though, the public vote helps decide which two pairs will face tomorrow night’s dance-off. It could also be a nervy wait for Balvinder Sopal, George Clarke and Amber Davies. 8.19pm GMT Shirley gets tomorrow’s casting vote You know, like the head judge normally does. 8.19pm GMT Credits roll “Keeeeeep dancing,” howl Tess and Claud at the Hertfordshire moon. As the jack-o-lanterns are extinguished and the pumpkins repurposed as soups/curries/compost, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments. 8.17pm GMT Tonight’s spookacious routines get rewound on-screen. Which scarily good duo are you voting for? Which terrifyingly bad pair are you certainly not? 8.17pm GMT And the vote is… open! Online-only, remember. Don’t come around here with your old-fashioned “phone vote”, you dance dinosaurs. Prop-heavy pandemonium ensues Elstree Studios. 8.16pm GMT Judges’ scores: 9, 9, 8, 9 for a total of 35 points. Joint third. Nikita takes blame for the choreography. Updated at 9.16pm GMT 8.15pm GMT Judges’ comments: Motsi says “storytelling on point, absolutely beautiful”. Shirley says “you executed it well but it was American style and too open”. Anton says “extraordinary piece of theatre, tremendous fleckerl and exquisite movement but shoulders were a problem in hold”. Craig concludes “don’t listen to old witchy-poo and grandma down there, I loved what you did with it”. Well. Scores could range from eight to 10. 8.11pm GMT Amber and Nikita’s Viennese waltz Amber Davies got an early Halloween fright in last week’s dance-off but she’s going from red light to Red Riding Hood. Forest setting. Pro partner Nikita Kuzmin is the big bad wolf and whips off her crimson cape, then into hold for a spinning, floating waltz. Twirling romantically around the floor. Decent frame and footwork but with such a gifted dancer as Amber, the judges are bound to be pernickety. Lovely storytelling and loads of drama. Song: I See Red by Everybody Loves An Outlaw. The Texan duo scored a viral hit when this was featured on the soundtrack to Netflix “erotic thriller” 365 Days. The famously bad film was compared to 50 Shades Of Grey but worse and nominated for six Golden Raspberry Awards. 8.07pm GMT Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points. Joint third with one number to go. “As camp as Christmas,” says Jojo. “My horns ended up in some dangerous places,” says Alex. Updated at 9.17pm GMT 8.06pm GMT Judges’ comments: Shirley says “I wanna get out there, horny, horny, horny, competition-level rotation, loved it”. Anton says “side-by-side great, soften the arms, rest of it amazing”. Craig says “a bit like a midlife crisis, Jojo totally stole the show but I loved it”. Motsi concludes “sensual, feminine power, bringing it home, you got this”. Pick the bones out of that. Nines ahoy? 8.01pm GMT Alex and Jojo’s salsa Actress Alex Kingston adores Halloween, entering into spirit with fancy dress and house decorations, but tonight she’s doing it on the dancefloor. She’s done serious numbers in recent weeks but is now bringing fun and sparkle for the ultimate party dance. Pro partner Johannes Radebe living his best life in a hooded catsuit. Devilish outfits, complete with horns and tails. Messin’ abaht with tables to start, then into tongue-in-cheek disco moves, great lifts and a fun, flirty feel. A proper show-stopping salsa. Song: Horny by Mousse T feat. Hot ‘n’ Juicy. The disco-house banger from the Turkish-German producer was described by one reviewer as “The sound of Jumpin’ Jaks in Romford in the summer of 1998. Carefree youth, shots for a pound, dancing on the tables and fights outside McDonald’s. Wonderful.” No argument here. Updated at 8.02pm GMT 7.57pm GMT Judges’ scores: 9, 10, 9, 10 for a total of 28 points. By order of the Peaky fookin’ Blinders, a winner. Second spot as it stands. Updated at 9.18pm GMT 7.56pm GMT Judges’ comments: Motsi says “what a night, another fabulous number, challenging choreography, amazing”. Shirley says “smashed it, intensity and focus, sure-footed, loved the role reversal”. Anton says “she’s back and better than ever, extraordinarily good”. Craig concludes “wanted smoother passing of feet and looser leg but clean, confident, loved it”. Nines? Not another 10? 7.54pm GMT Karen and Carlos’ Aaargh-gentine Tango Former Lioness Karen Carney started the series strongly but has dipped and seemed to lose confidence. Solihull-born Kaz – who also played for Birmingham City – will relish this chance to channel Peaky Blinders, one of her favourite TV shows. As a former footballer, she should have the strong legs and fast feet for it too. She and partner Carlos Gu are both in flat caps, getting into character as Brummie bootleggers. A semi-fight scene to start, then into a powerful, expressive and passionate routine. Close body contact. Cool gender-neutral choreography and she seems to be leading at times. Their first lifts. Stylised and speedy, lacking a little sizzle perhaps but so good. Blinding. Song: Red Right Hand by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. The Southern gothic blues song’s title comes from John Milton’s Paradise Lost, where it’s used to describe the vengeful hand of God. The song isn’t just the theme tune to gangster hit Peaky Blinders but featured prominently in the Scream horror film franchise, so is suitably Halloween-ish. 7.49pm GMT Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 6, 7 for a total of 26 points. Bottom with three dances to go. Dance-off danger? Gladiator ready? Updated at 9.19pm GMT 7.48pm GMT Judges’ comments: Anton says “marvellous topline, lovely lyrical timing but a mistake in the middle of the room”. Craig says “it lost elegance and artistry in the arms, needed a softer approach but you bring heart and soul to the table”. Motsi says “held composure and bounced back strongly from the mistake”. Shirley concludes “balance routine, need spatial awareness and longer stride but seamless highlights”. Sevens for Harry too? 7.44pm GMT Harry and Karen’s astronomical American smooth After intense dances for the past two weeks, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey – aka Nitro from Gladiators – is enjoying something more smiley. Ice cream parlour opening, then they’re floating in space, defying gravity with graceful elegance. Foxtrot style, switching in and out of hold, lots of side-by-side action. So many lifts that pro partner Karen Hauer barely touches floor in parts. Some gapping, heavy-footed and lumpy moments but reining in his usual power to achieve that smooth lightness. A jumping heel click to close. Song: Mystical Magical by Benson Boone. Sampling Physical by Olivia Newton-John, the shimmeringly ethereal pop hit was known as “the moonbeam ice cream song” before it was properly titled. 7.40pm GMT Judges’ scores: 7, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 28 points. Second from bottom as it stands. Dance-off danger, I fear. 7.38pm GMT Judges’ comments: Shirley says “delivered the sensuality beautifully, I wanted clearer weight transference but great footwork details, good job”. Anton says “a tale of two halves, upper body exquisite but hesitant down below”. Craig says “a little unstable and lost flow but full of character and expression”. Motsi concludes “you’re one op those most expressive dancers we have, great connection and emotion in the body, keep going”. Sevens and a bonus eight, are we saying? 7.35pm GMT Balvinder and Julian’s irresistible rumba Happy Bal-oween! EastEnders actor Balvinder Sopal dodged last week’s dance-off and was hugely relieved not to make it hat-trick. Can she get her confidence back, banish the nerves and enjoy dancing again? Slow start with dry ice hiding the footwork but a suitably intense connection with pro partner Julian Caillon. She’s found this the toughest dance yet to master but decent body action. Strong legs and feet. Fluidity, rhythmic and sensual. Lacking that continuous, oozing motion perhaps but plenty of passion. A romantic rumba with a dark twist. Song: Stay by Shakespears Sister. This baroque pop ballad topped the UK charts for eight weeks in 1992 and was inspired by 50s sci-fi B-movie Cat-Women of the Moon. Abbey Clancy and Aljaž Škorjanec performed a rumba to it in 2013 series and went on to lift the glitterball trophy. Updated at 9.20pm GMT 7.32pm GMT Just me or has Tess Daly visibly relaxed since the announcement? We like the new loosey-goosey, more spontaneous Tess. 7.30pm GMT Judges’ scores: 10 (early for Craig!), 10, 10, 10 for a perfect 40 points. Top of the pops and highest score of the series so far, obviously. Scenes. Limbs. Updated at 9.21pm GMT 7.28pm GMT Judges’ comments: Craig applauds says “I liked that, spec-tac-ular”. Motsi says “a real moment, out of this world”. Shirley says “phenomenal work, well done you”. Anton concludes “best dance of the series by miles, as good as anything ever on Strictly, a-may-zing”. A nine and three 10s, do we think? 7.26pm GMT Lewis and Katya’s creepy Couple’s Choice Actor Lewis Cope and pro partner Katya Jones haven’t scored lower than an 8 since way back in week two and are the highest scoring couple in the contest. This Couple’s Choice should showcase exactly how good Lewis is. An ambitious mash-up of styles, with elements of Charleston, jazz, tap and American smooth. Bob Fosse flourishes and floor work. Fun, quirky choreography by the ever-creative Katya. Leaps and comedy, a proper showdance. Partner work and plenty of precision in the side-by-side sections. Full of tricks and treats. Wow, a proper showstopper. Bravo. Song: Creep by Radiohead. A jazzy, brassy big band version of the 1992 grunge classic which remains Thom Yorke and co’s most successful single. It’s been covered by the likes of Alanis Morissette, Prince and Olivia Rodrigo. 7.21pm GMT Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points. By far her best and top of the standings at this stage. Some improvement from that “2” a fortnight ago. 7.18pm GMT Judges’ comments: Rousing reception in the ballroom. La Voix says she felt the magic of dancing there. Anton says “drama, atmosphere, thrilling, neat and tidy, Len would’ve loved it”. Craig says “needed more arch and oval shape but power, passion, authority, you owned it, your best”. Motsi says “so regal and proud, well controlled, I saw the music in the dance”. Shirley concludes “beautiful neckline and skirt, quality of movement, brilliant”. Eights incoming? Even a nine? 7.15pm GMT La Voix and Aljaž’s petrifying paso doble Drag queen La Voix and partner Aljaž Škorjanec bounced back well last week, doubling the score from their cha-cha dis-ah-ster. Now she’s getting dark, strong and serious – even though she joked this week that she thought Paso Doble was a fishing village near Benidorm. She’s playing the Queen of Hearts in a red-and-black lace frock with corset and bustle. CGI suits of armour. Twists-turns, Spanish shapes and flamenco flourishes. Strong storytelling but footwork not quite there. Too stompy and lacking some curve but full of drama and magnificently moody. Song: Beethoven’s 5th. Let’s hope she’s not fifth to be eliminated. 7.10pm GMT Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 8, 8 for a total of 29 points. Dance-off danger? Surely not. 7.08pm GMT Judges’ comments: Craig says “too turned in and clunky but loved the hip action and the pot-stirrer”. Motsi says “no mistakes for the first time in three weeks, pick up your centre for more driving force”. Shirley says “you don’t realise just how good you are, stop smiling so much and be more competitive, great connections, did very well”. Anton concludes “believe in yourself, give us more and go to the next level”. Sevens and the odd eight, do we reckon? 7.04pm GMT George and Alexis’ chilling cha cha cha George Clarke and his pro partner Alexis Warr have been levelling out a bit in recent weeks, so he needs to focus, channel his energy, push harder and return to form. Can he master the leg action and Cuban rhythms of the ever tricky cha-cha? Cauldron-ography to start. He’s the mullet-wigged hero and Alexis is the evil queen in a purple fringed frock. Crisp and sharp but not quite getting his hips moving. Fast and flirty with spicy tricks. She’s dancing around him too much, while he’s just walking around. They end up behind the judges, which is awkward. Song: Apple by Charli XCX. Her 2024 synth-pop hit sparked a viral TikTok dance craze, while lyrically the apple core symbolises generational trauma passed down through families. Updated at 9.13pm GMT 7.00pm GMT Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 27 points. Solid. 6.59pm GMT Judges’ comments: Huge rousing ovation in the studio. Motsi says “you’re one of the best performers and you execute it, needed more musicality but you’re a fighter, proud of you”. Shirley says “you did the best promenade position, didn’t miss a beat”. Anton says “second to none in the open parts but in hold, you got a bit ahead of Vito in the step patterns, so much to love”. Craig concludes “glad we’re seeing more technique, walks got out of time but I love the new serious Ellie”. Sixes and sevens, are we saying? 6.55pm GMT Ellie and Vito’s terrifying tango Can “Team Cheeky” stop smiling and get serious? Ellie Goldstein and her partner Vito Coppola have performed upbeat party dances for the past three weeks. It’s a month since she was last in ballroom hold. Ellie always sparkles on the dancefloor but needs to show some improvement in footwork and technique. She’s playing a magician, pulling Vito the rabbit out of a giant top hat. A little flat-footed, lacking sharpness and staccato action but spooky, pacy with plenty of steps, high kicks and tricks. Nice breakdown. A floor spin before she puts a spell on Vito and has him on a string to finish. Now that’s magic. Song: Abracadabra by Lady Gaga. Her dark and theatrical electro-pop hit from earlier this year incorporates elements of Spellbound by Siouxsie & The Banshees. A goth classic. Updated at 9.22pm GMT 6.50pm GMT Judges’ scores: 7, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 31 points. Her best ballroom score. Tearful Vicky is “over the moon”. Updated at 9.24pm GMT 6.49pm GMT Judges’ comments: Shirley says “huge improvement from your week two foxtrot”. Anton says “breathy, big and bold, marvellous heel turn, super performance”. Craig says “needed more reach and extension, smoother transitions and nicer shape in flight, but wonderful to see your confidence growing”. Motsi concludes “finish your moves, make it cleaner but atmospheric and characterful, you’re a contender for the final”. Sevens and the odd eight? 6.45pm GMT Vicky and Kai’s alluring American smooth Vicky Pattison and her pro partner Kai Widdrington are the only couple in the contest to increase their score every week. Can the Geordie lass continue that steady improvement? She’s playing a ghost in a pearl-embellished white frock. Foxtrot steps and solid frame. Smooth with a sprinkle of spookiness. Spinning lifts. Posture not perfect and the odd thrown-away move but lovely flow. This is her first number with proper storytelling and she’s doing a great job of bringing the drama. Song: Total Eclipse Of The Heart by Bonnie Tyler. the 1983 power-pop chart-topper was written and produced by Jim Steinman, who Tyler approached after liking his work with Meat Loaf. It was originally written for a Nosferatu musical, hence the rather vampiric lyrics. It once topped a poll of most popular songs to sing in the shower. Updated at 6.45pm GMT 6.41pm GMT Our Strictly stars™ Our couples emerge for staircase waves and they’ve all been raiding the creepy costume box. Devils! Ghosts! A big bad wolf! And a white rabbit, for some strange reason! It’s like a posse of toddlers going trick-or-treating. 6.40pm GMT Judges rise from the grave The paddle-raising quartet arrive in full fancy dress. All in a steampunk vampiric vibe, including Auntie Joan aka Anton. The panel’s table is cobweb draped with skull and pumpkin ornaments. Never knowingly under-themed. 6.39pm GMT Frockwatch Our Halloween hosts arrive, so let’s rate their fright night finery. Tess Daly is black velvet strapless affair with matching choker. Claudia Winkleman is in a polo necked number. Claud wins. 6.38pm GMT Cue clapalong titles Five of the male celebs have bowed out already, via a combo of elimination and injury. Who’s next on the night bus home from Borehamwood? 6.37pm GMT Aaaaand we’re off! Cue the compulsory horror-themed VT. A Blair Witch Project parody this year. With added zombies. 6.34pm GMT Insert your vampire fangs and nibble on some necks. Or at least a bowl of Nice ‘N’ Spicy Nik-Naks. We’re about to go over live to the Elstree Studios ballroom… 6.31pm GMT On your dance cards tonight Another selection box tonight, with nine different dance styles. The only doubling up is from Vicky Pattison and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who both perform American smooths. We’ll also see an Argentine tango from Karen Carney and a Couple’s Choice form Lewis Cope. Just five frightening minutes until the spangly curtain comes up… 6.25pm GMT Amanda Holden-hosted quiz hotchpotch The Celebrity Inner Circle just wrapping up on BBC1. As always seems to be the case, there’s a few Strictly alumna among the guests. This week, it’s Chizzy Akudolu (first out in 2017), JJ Chalmers (quarter-finalist in 2020) and Melvin Odoom (first out in 2016). A mere 10 minutes to wait now… 6.20pm GMT Bwa-ha-ha, it’s Halloween bingo Tick them off when you spot them! Drink a bubbling, smoking potion for each! End up doing the Monster Mash and the Timewarp at a total stranger’s house party! Here’s tonight’s 10-point spotter’s checklist: Judges wield pumpkin/ghost/bat-shaped scoring paddles Someone begins routine by climbing out of a coffin, sparking traumatic Nancy Dell’Olio flashbacks Halloween prop overload means way too much “messin’ abaht” and dances take ages to get going Routine “enhanced” and “augmented” by shonky CGI creatures Claudia and Tess dress in gothic black and blood red respectively A judge or pro has a disembodied hand on their shoulder Craig says a dance was “a horror show, darling” with “frightening footwork” or “stiff zombie hips” Band leader Dave Arch is dressed as a baton-wielding werewolf/vampire Someone’s face-paint transfers to their partner’s cheek or costume during the dance Production team’s names are “spookified” with Halloween puns on the end credits 6.15pm GMT Midway mark next week Tonight’s 10 couples are bidding to get through to week seven, which marks the halfway milestone of the contest. Fun fact: this is the furthest we’ve ever got into a series without Anton Du Beke giving a perfect 10. Could it happen tonight? Twenty minutes until the glittery curtain comes up… 6.10pm GMT Your Halloween highlights What’s your most memorable Halloween routine of Strictly yore? Numbers that stick in my mind include Ashley Roberts’ witchy Charleston, Faye Tozer’s skeletal Couple’s Choice, Kara Tointon’s Phantom paso and Frankie Bridge’s green-faced Wicked tango. All by female celebs, I notice. Has a celebrity male ever delivered a Halloween classic? Let me know your own favourites. It’s 25 minutes until the ghostly glitterball starts spinning… 6.06pm GMT Another monstrous elimination looms Balvinder Sopal is bookies’ strong favourites for the boot again this week, followed by La Voix and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. Amber Davies will also be nervy after last week’s dance-off shock. Could Halloween characterisation help them all to safety? Half an hour until we get our first choreographic clues… 6.04pm GMT Whose hoofing will be a horror show in the Halloween Spooktacular? Someone will be sent home in pumpkin-shaped carriage. Good evening and welcome to the sixth live weekend of Strictly Come Dancing 2025. I’m Michael, your cyber dance partner for tonight’s fright night special. You are cordially yet creepily invited to watch along with me as our 10 remaining couples cook up a cauldron of choreography. Last time out, Icons Week saw the first major dance-off shock of the series, as Amber Davies plummeted from joint second on the scoreboard into the bottom two. But she managed to survive and instead, former Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink departed the dancefloor. Tonight the surviving 10 pairs undergo terrifying transformations to perform deliciously dark dances which they hope will bewitch judges and voting viewers alike. It promises to be a feast of twinkle-toed trick or technical treat. But who will be kept alive and kicking in the competition? And for whom will the Halloween church bell toll? It’s supernatural showtime at 6.35pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6.05pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and pumpkin-spiced asides. So pour yourself a magic potion 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 open for bwa-ha-ha banter. I’ll zombie-walk down there whenever I can to see what you’re all saying, quoting some of your Halloween wit and wisdom up top. So please don’t be shy about sharing your thoughts. It’s week six and it’s going to be a scream. Nearly time to staaaart spooky dancing!