Strictly Come Dancing: week three – live

9.08pm BST Finally, heroica says of Lewis Cope: “What a paso! Oh my word, I’m over the moon about that dance.” EmmyHarb says: “Sizzling! How on earth did he dance with that eye mask on?” yorkshirecoast says: “I know Lewis is another ringer but it’s worth it when Katya gets a partner worthy of her choreography.” Phoebe says: “Wow, they saved the best till last. I was completely spellbound by that paso from Katya and Lewis. The frisson of passion gave me goosebumps. Bravo!” SparklingDormouse adds: “Really good but not a 10! Lots of detailing not there. It’s only week 3, for goodness sake.” Updated at 9.10pm BST 9.06pm BST IvanTiger says: “Really great from topless Harry and making his muscles move wonderfully. Excellent dancing. Over too soon.” Jennifera030 says: “Harry is light on his feet for a man built of bricks. I love this pairing and hope they go far.” Cubana0104 adds: “Harry is so likeable. He really sells his performances and has been a bit under the radar so far. Pleased to see him getting great feedback tonight.” 9.05pm BST SparklingDormouse says: “Liked Alex Kingston’s outfit and dance OK but would prefer her not to look so fierce! I know it’s the character but quickstep should be fun!” Phoebe says: “One of the very best most lovable things about Alex is that she does not SCREAM. Praise be.” Bianco says: “Loved that, but somehow unsettling to see a quickstep without the usual semi-manic grin.” paperview adds: In terms of embodying a film in the medium of dance, Alex and JoJo are miles ahead of anyone else thus far. I noticed the gapping as well, but the rest of it was just a masterclass in bringing a persona to the dancefloor.” 9.04pm BST paperview says: “It’s a tribute to Ellie Goldstein that I’m far more aware that she’s so much shorter than Vito than I am that she’s got Downs Syndrome. She’s brilliant. That was super!” EmmyHarb says: “Such fun and energy from Ellie and Vito. Her timing was immaculate, especially in the side-by-sides.” Storm says: “I’m going to have to watch that again later as I didn’t look at Vito at all. Fab-u-lous! Pushing him out of the way, ha!” jagadox adds: “Happy happy, joy joy. Not enough of that around these days, it’s lovely to see it.” 9.02pm BST On Vicky Pattison, Lidoswimmer says: “Not her best but will still give Vicky a vote tonight as I really like her. It must be really tough getting the bounce and energy of a Charleston, especially with Kai’s physicality (ahem) so early in the competition. Onwards and upwards.” On Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, fihema says: “Wow. Really. Just wow. The song. The singer. The choreography. Lauren (omg). And Jimmy. I found my winner for this evening. I need a sip of something cold. Fast.” Jennifera030 adds: “All my votes for Jimmy. All my votes for anyone doing the rumba. It is the shits of a dance.” 8.59pm BST Somersetlass says: “Karen Carney looked as if she was *loving* that. A couple of missteps, but it was a difficult routine, and she has real poise and great characterisation.” LekisP says: “Just fab from Karen. She is exactly the right type of Strictly contestant – someone who has achieved in their own field, pushing themselves to do something completely different. Brava!” ReclinedPotato adds: “Carlos’ heels are nearly as high as Karen’s. Is he channelling William Shatner’s role in the movie? If so, needs more girdle.” 8.58pm BST On Ross King, Vicc says: “Well, that was a bit of a car crash. The Thunderbirds theme tune was not a piece of music I would ever imagine being suitable for a paso doble. And it isn’t.” Pengonlina123 says: “I must say that Ross did some good marching there, although his make-up did rather resemble John Laurie in that episode of Dad’s Army where the platoon try and make themselves look younger.” Bewilderedpenguin says: “Ok, I’m afraid this is going to join the ranks of legend'. Whose idea was it?! Lostforwordspenguin.” On Balvinder Sopal, Gardener_Maidhc says: This is almost what my dreams of dancing feel like. A lovely foxtrot all smooth and sharp with a gorgeous man whirling me about. Foxtrots are just the absolute best. Cubana0104 adds: “Balvinder’s dress! The song! Julian’s handsomeness! The general swoonsomeness of the routine! All giving me joy. Shirley being rather harsh, I think!” 8.56pm BST YodaknowsAll says: “Well done, AliVoix, no gimmicks just beautiful dancing in that waltz. What a wonderful partnership this is turning out to be.” AndyPandy21 says: “Feed the birds is one of my favourite songs, even with discreet cuts to fit the time allotted for the dance. Nothing is more magical than a beautiful waltz. I loved that!” GreatIsMyNewt adds: “La Voix should come down on a wire, then she could be the Dove From Above.” 8.53pm BST On Chris Robshaw, indigoviolet says “Chris looks like he’s trying to do some really tricky algebra.” TallulahBankhead says: “Chris did do some dance moves and his posture has improved. And I could totally believe that Nadiya is a Norse Goddess.” adyglencora says “Heroic effort from Chris but I think he’s well on his way to Valhalla.” On George Clarke, G1adys says: “George has potential. Disappointed to see them play the Couple’s Choice card so early. Hope they don’t regret using their scoring joker in week 3.” OozblumBird adds: “George & Alexis are probably my favourite couple but I didn’t really enjoy that. Nor do I think that George totally bought into this dance either. Not my cup of tea (although I’m not generally a fan of Couple’s Choice anyway).” 8.48pm BST Readers’ verdicts are in A rapid-fire round-up of your wisest, wittiest Move Weeks wordage. Strictlylounging says “I am currently wearing trousers like Tess’ dress (I’m not kidding!)“ Somersetlass says “I noticed Motsi misspoke and called it Musicals Week. Understandable, given the first dance is from a musical, FFS!” BenCaldwell88 says: “I’m afraid I’ll have to miss the rest of the show, I started a game where I drink every time there’s weird obsequious praise of Cynthia Erivo and the ambulance has just arrived.” ABH2018 says: “Cynthia really has invested in them this week. What a lovely person.” MikeMoonlight adds “It’s probably just as well that Tom Skinner didn’t get to play Rolf in a Sound of Music routine, as he may have opted for the costume Rolf wore in the second half of the film...” 8.46pm BST Show me the movie! TV viewers can now flip to ITV for the return of The 1% Club. At 9pm, French psychological thriller The Intruder starts on BBC4. If Movie Week has put you in the mood for a film, my picks are Jerry Maguire (9.10pm on Great TV), Ghostbusters: Afterlife (10.35pm on BBC1) or The Black Phone (10.50pm on Film4). 8.40pm BST Golden Glitterballs: Movie Week Edition Who needs Oscar statuettes when they could win one of our coveted liveblog baubles? Here are this week’s celluloid-style gong-getters… Best dance: Lewis Cope’s show-closing paso was a banger. Worst dance: Sorry, Ross King. Deserves to be dancing off tomorrow, probably against Chris Robshaw. Best music choice: The Zorro paso or Swing Time foxtrot. Traditional often tends to be best. Worst music choice: Not sure that Sweet Child O’ Mine has any business being on Strictly. Vicky wasn’t done any favours by her Charleston tune either. Best outfit: Amber’s floaty pink number or Balvinder’s art deco cream-and- gold gown. Worst outfit: Harry Aikines-Aryeetey wasnt really wearing an outfit, not that many viewers/commenters/judges seemed to mind. Best VT: Jowita’s bafflement about Thunderbirds. “What is this? What do you mean it’s 1966, not 1996?” Worst VT: The lame attempt to give the clearly privileged George Clarke an emotional backstory, He wanted to be a footballer! But became a content creator instead! Some of his friends are teachers! Will this suffice? Best judges’ comment: Anton after the Sound Of Music number. “They changed the lyrics for Craig. You are 60, going on 70.” Unphased Craig replied: “That might be true, darling, but at least I look 16.” Touché. Best Claudia quip: Her terror in the face of Alex Kingston’s acting. “I’m so scared. I’m wearing a turquoise belt. Please forgive me.” Updated at 8.45pm BST 8.33pm BST Movie Week leaderboard Lewis Cope tops the box office charts, with Amber Davies just behind. Ross King is way down at the foot of the scoreboard. Chris Robshaw joins him in the bottom two. As always, though the viewer vote will play its part in tomorrow’s dance-off. It could be a nervy wait for the likes of Vicky Pattison and La Voix. 8.30pm BST Credits roll “Keeeeeep dancing,” chorus Tess and Claud, sandwiching Cynthia between them. As the remnants of popcorn and pick ’n’ mix are scoffed, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments. 8.29pm BST The casting vote goes to… The rotating judgely honour goes to Shirley Ballas tomorrow night. Like it did last series and not that it will likely be needed but hey, let’s indulge them. 8.27pm BST Tonight’s routines get recapped on-screen. Which Oscar-worthy pair are you voting for? Which box office honkers are you definitely not? 8.26pm BST And the vote is now… open! Cue fancy-dressed chaos in the Clauditorium and behind the judges’ table. 8.25pm BST Judges’ scores: 9, 10, 9, 9 for a total of 37 points. Closing the show in spectacular Spanish style. Just don’t make Claudia ride a horse again. 8.24pm BST Judges’ comments: Cynthia says “passion, tension, commitment, my mind is blown”. Shirley says “put it all together, extraordinary, quite phenomenal”. Anton says “control elevated it to another level, simply wonderful”. Craig says “little finger slightly out of place but a-may-zing.” Motsi concludes “dance of the night without question”. I smell nines and the highest score of the series… Updated at 8.30pm BST 8.21pm BST Lewis and Katya’s paso doble Last dance now. Actor Lewis Cope is the second highest scorer of the contest so far and his power-packed performances should suit the paso. The judges wanted him to refine his technique. Hat-clad flamenco section to start, then into strong walks, spins and sword-ography. Has he nailed the banana shaping and Spanish line? Creatively choreographed by pro partner Katya Jones. Spicy, powerful, connected and a spectacular kill to finish. Olé! Wow. Song: The Plaza of Execution from The Mask of Zorro. The opening track on the soundtrack for the 1998 swashbuckler, starring Antonio Banderas as the masked vigilante. 8.17pm BST Judges’ scores: 8, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 32 points. Second on the scoreboard as it stands. 8.16pm BST Judges’ comments: Craig says “I almost forgot to look at the footwork, needed more fluidity and saw the joins but clean, fresh and kept the energy”. Motsi says “controlled, rhythmic, lifts off the charts”. Cynthia says “confidence in your body, you gave it”. Shirley says “million dollar smile, led well, solo parts strong, extraordinary in every department”. Anton concludes “your best dance so far”. Sevens? Even an eight from giddy Shirl? 8.13pm BST Harry and Karen’s salsa The penultimate dance sees Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, aka Nitro from Gladiators, and partner Karen Hauer go leonine. Can they be the mane attraction? Distractingly shirtless. Bringing the sauce, finding his roar and his hips. It’s an authentic feelgood salsa with fast footwork, lots of turns and lifts. audibly counting and a tad heavy-footed at times but spicy and sizzling with an African feel. Song: I Always Wanted a Brother from Mufasa: The Lion King. Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda for the 2024 reboot, it soundtracks a montage of Mufasa and Taka as cubs growing up together. 8.08pm BST Judges’ scores: 7, 8, 7, 8 for a total of 30 points. Third placed as it stands, She finally comes out of character in the Clauditorium. 8.07pm BST Judges’ comments: Shirley says “sensational character and storytelling but gapped and got out of sync but great frame”. Anton says “immaculate promenade position, terrific movement”. Craig says “command, control, power and presence, brilliant”. Motsi says “the definition of Movie Night”. Cynthia concludes “topped the film for me”. 8.04pm BST Alex and Jojo’s quickstep Actor Alex Kingston topped the scoreboard last week with her spicy samba. Now she’s channelling Meryl Streep as demanding magazine editor Miranda Priestley, while pro Johannes Radebe is an amalgam of her various put-upon assistants. Can she fashion a high score? Inhabiting the character as well as you’d expect. Phone-ography to start. Take too long to get going but when it does, it’s fast, energetic and full of frothy glamour. Hopping and skipping across the floor with Charleston flicks and kicks. Is Alex light enough on her feet? Gapping and hurrying to keep pace. Song: Suddenly I See from The Devil Wears Prada. KT Tunstall’s 2004 hit was inspired by Patti Smith and on its use two years later in the film, Tunstall said: “I didn’t realise the lyrics could perfectly fit a chick flick and it could sound like I was singing about wanting to be a fucking model!” Language, Timothy. 8.01pm BST Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 27 points. Her highest score. “I can’t believe this,” says a thrilled Ellie. Vito treats her with a pink Barbie tiramisu. 7.59pm BST Judges’ comments: Motsi says “most improved, gained control, put your heart on the dancefloor, made us so happy”. Cynthia says “confidence, musicality, shook the ground, amazing”. Shirley says “big improvement, stunning”. Anton says “what a performance, sensational”. Craig concludes “timing iffy and skippy (boo!) but that squat drop, darling, you sold it”. Sixes, maybe even sevens? 7.56pm BST Ellie and Vito’s samba Think pink. A fitting choice of film, considering Ellie Goldstein helped Mattel launch the first Barbie doll with Down Syndrome two years ago. She’s unleashed from her box, playing Disco Barbie and pro partner Vito Coppola is Sparkly Ken. Plenty of bouncy energy and cheekiness. Enough musicality, hip fluidity and Rio carnival feel? The samba is notoriously tricky and Ellie did a bang-up job there. Vito back in the box by the end. Song: Dance the Night from Barbie. Dua Lipa’s synth-pop banger is about always appearing flawless despite heartbreak. The scene in the film included a cameo from director Greta Gerwig. 7.52pm BST Judges’ scores: 5, 7, 6, 7 for a total of 25 points. Her best yet and Vicky is endearingly jubilant. 7.50pm BST Judges’ comments: Craig says “no swivel nor double bounce made it look flat-footed but brilliant lifts”. Motsi says “overcame your nerves and put on a show”. Cynthia says “leaps and bounds from rehearsal, enjoy it more”. Shirley says “no swivel, looked heavy”. Anton concludes “you have such potential and are only scratching the surface, give me more”. Bit harsh for me. Vicky looks gutted. Sixes? 7.46pm BST Vicky and Kai’s Charleston Vicky Pattison’s going from Newcastle to upstate New York. Shirley told her partner Kai Widdrington not to play it safe last week, so he’s packed this routine. She’s looking fabulous in a beaded flapper girl dress with peppermint flowers. This dance needs speed and stamina, although Vicky says she “like my sofa and sausage rolls too much”. Side-by-side sections great. <aybe lacking a little lightness at times but full of bounce, tricks, flicks, kicks, lifts and hips. Enough to satisfy Craig Swivel Horwood? A crowd-pleaser and her best yet. Song: A Little Party Never Killed Nobody from The Great Gatsby. A swing-tinged hip-house number sung by Fergie and Q-Tip for Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 adaptation. 7.43pm BST Judges’ scores: 7, 7, 6, 8 for a total of 28 points. His highest score and merited a few more for me. 7.41pm BST Judges’ comments: Shirley says “good job with the dreaded rumba, great body action, loved the theme and story, needed more changes of pace”. Anton says “constant movement, controlled weight, one of the best rumbas I’ve seen for a while”. Craig says “pleasantly surprised, it was great”. Motsi says “strong, brilliant”. Cynthia concludes “connection was electric”. High praise, well deserved. Eights? 7.37pm BST Jimmy and Lauren’s rumba Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink channels 007 for the first rumba of the series. It’s also partner Lauren Oakley’s first ever rumba on Strictly. He’s been practising in socks to help him stay connected with floor. An intimate, sensual dance on the big stage. Last week’s cha cha should help with the Cuban leg action. Aston Martin and tuxedo ticked off. A little hunch-shouldered and lacking in figure-of-eight hip action but rhythmic, romantic and masculine. Woof! Song: No Time to Die from James Bond. Billie Eilish was only 17 years old at the time of recording, making her the youngest ever artist to have recorded a Bond theme. 7.33pm BST Judges’ scores: 4 (do what, mate?), 7, 7, 7 for a total of 25 points. 7.31pm BST Judges’ comments: Cynthia says “you let loose and I was so pleased, you’re wonderful”. Shirley says “power-packed, you executed difficult choreography but refine it”. Anton says “wow, too much physicality and front-on at times but terrific”. Craig says “spiky, sort out your arms but you put every inch of yourself in and have fantastic potential”. Motsi concludes “poised and plenty of attack”. Sevens? 7.27pm BST Karen and Carlos’ cha cha cha Karen Carney’s tango saw her dip in form after week one’s show-stopping, leaderboard-topping jive. Now she’s back to Latin, which might suit her. Partner Carlos Gu has been encouraging the former Lioness to embrace her glamorous, confident side. Has she mastered that tricky straight-legged Cuban action? Sassy solo section to start, then into a sizzling disco cha cha. A bit spiky at times but fast, flirty fun. Song: She’s a Lady from Miss Congeniality. Paul Anka’s 1970 composition was most memorably recorded by leather-lungs from the Valleys, Tom Jones. Knicker-throwing optional. 7.23pm BST Judges’ scores: 7, 7, 6, 6 for a total of 26 points. 7.22pm BST Judges’ comments: Anton says “be still my beating heart, elegant and sophisticated, gorgeous feel but tense in hold”. Craig says “left shoulder slightly raised in hold, needed more softness, but class, grace and confidence”. Motsi says “you gave it life and charm”. Cynthia says “loved to watch your musicality”. Shirley concludes “finish your hands and arms, footwork not very good and needs attention”. Sixes and sevens, do we say? 7.16pm BST Balvinder and Julian’s foxtrot EastEnders actor Balvinder Sopal closed last week’s show with a triumphant Charleston. Her 13-point improvement was the highest rise of the night. Now she and new Australian pro Julian Caillon – dubbed “Team Ballion” – tackle their first ballroom number, channelling Fred and Ginger. No pressure. The judges will be scrutinising her frame, footwork and ease of movement. Smoothly gliding around and lovely golden age mood. A little hesitant in spots but stylish, sweet and smile-inducing. Song: The Way You Look Tonight from Swing Time. The Oscar-winning tune was sung by Fred Astaire to Ginger Rogers while she was washing her hair in the next room. Take two bottles into the shower? 7.13pm BST Judges’ scores: 4, 5, 5, 5 for a total of 19 points. His best yet but surely dance-off danger. 7.10pm BST Judges’ comments: Shirley says “you gave 1000%, another improvement, get over your nerves and be proud”. Anton says “most improved again, brilliant but you went wrong right in front of us”. Craig says “a good excuse to be stiff, needs some fluidity but character-driven and you hit some intense shapes”. Motsi says “heel leads and shaping good, you can do this, push”. Cynthia concludes “committed and came alive, congratulations”. A fours and three fives incoming? 7.06pm BST Ross and Jowita’s paso doble Hollywood correspondent Ross King is thrilled to have got through to this themed week but remains bookies’ favourite to go home. Can he defy the odds for a second week running? Spaceship countdown to start, then the puppety paso is go. Nice tongue-in-cheek wobbliness. Stomping and shaping but a lack of muscle and musicality. Way too much walking around. Partner Jowita Przystal had to somehow choreograph a serious dance with a daft concept, which isn’t helping, but this isn’t as bad as I’d feared. Song: The theme from Thunderbirds, the “Supermarionation” sci-fi franchise created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson. 7.02pm BST Judges’ scores: 7, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 28 points. Her highest score yet. 7.00pm BST Judges’ comments: A lot of talk of wigs to much hilarity – in the studio, if maybe not at home. Anton says “lovely feel, need more shape in upper body but beautiful harmony, joyous”. Craig says “posture not quite right, footwork could be smoother, wonderful to see the realness and superb musicality”. Motsi says “sensational timing and connection”. Cynthia says “you took the risk to be vulnerable and it was special”. Shirley concludes “another step up, ballroom is a strength for you”. Sixes and sevens? 6.55pm BST La Voix and Aljaž’s waltz Tuppence a drag, anyone? OK, I coined that pun last week but it was too apt not to recycle. La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec took a dip with last week’s jive. Now she’s slowing it right down and bringing out her serious side for a stately waltz. Technique and footwork will come under the judges’ scrutiny here. Smooth, elegant, classic feel. Some gapping and lost shape towards the end but lovely standing spin to finish, Song: Feed the Birds (Tuppence A Bag) from Mary Poppins. It’s about the elderly “Bird Woman” who sits on the steps of St Paul’s Cathedral, selling bags of breadcrumbs to passers-by. It was Oscar-winner Jane Darwell’s last screen appearance. 6.52pm BST Judges’ scores: 6, 8, 9 (really?), 8 for a total of 31 points. Ye olde Couples Choice problem with a three-point spread. 6.50pm BST Key event Judges’ comments: Cynthia says “you dived into this style, really proud”. Shirley says “you’ve come out of your shell, precision synchronisation, flew like an angel, kids at home will be going wild”. Anton says “you’re super-good, your face lit up and you came alive but the dance lacked a bit of edge”. Craig says “Anton is right, needed to be sharper and more heightened but you coped with the enormous challenge admirably”. Motsi concludes “Mummy and Daddy having a fight, my girls would be screaming, flexible body, you brought the hip-hop swagger”. Sevens and eights? Updated at 6.54pm BST 6.45pm BST George and Alexis’ Couple'sChoice The first Couple’s Choice number of the series. Content creator George Clarke and new American pro Alexis Warr got called frontrunners last week, so will want to deliver here. Dry ice and onscreen emojis. A party dance with plenty of lifts, tricks, hips and nods to K-pop. Good side-by-side, day-glo styling, gimmicky streetdance choreography and very kid-friendly. Cartwheels. Lifts. No rules, just entertainment. Song: Soda Pop from K-Pop Demon Hunters. The bright. bubbly chart topper serves as an introduction to fictional boyband Saja Boys in the hit animated musical fantasy film. 6.40pm BST Judges’ scores: 4, 6 (after dropping her paddle), 6, 6 for a total of 22 points. His best yet. 6.38pm BST Judges’ comments: Motsi says “I see improvement, less shy and better posture, stood tall but listen to the music”. Cynthia says “you did the active breathing we spoke about but relax the face, there’s more in you”. Shirley says “several steps up from last week, strong with good intention, pleased with you, stay on that track”. Anton says “much better, love your presence, want more”. Craig concludes “ploddy, placed and square but a slight improvement in personality”. Fives and sixes, do we say? 6.34pm BST Chris and Nadiya’s paso doble Dance-off survivors Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova come out fighting and the paso’s a good dance to do it. His hammer-wielding alter ego should help Chris get into mean and moody character. Can he bring the thunder? Capes, mullets, biceps. Suitably powerful but lacking drama and attack. Walking through it, throwing away his moves. Song: Sweet Child O’Mine from Thor: Love and Thunder. The Guns N’ Roses anthem was composed during a jam session on Sunset Strip. Singer Axl Rose (anag, ahem) wrote the lyrics about his girlfriend Erin “daughter of Don” Everly. Updated at 6.37pm BST 6.31pm BST Claudia on the Ts & Cs No surprise guest in the Clauditorium to read out the voting smallprint. Somebody pulled out, do we reckon? Online-only, remember. Something about QR codes. I’m with Claud, no idea. 6.30pm BST Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points. Highest score of the series so far. Too much, too soon, too good? 6.28pm BST Judges’ comments: Craig says “very good, my darling, clean and fluid, coped well with the benches, Oscar-winning”. Motsi mistakenly thinks it’s Musicals Week (and in many ways it is) says “stunning and super-light”. Cynthia says “I feel like a proud parent, beautiful”. Shirley says “beautiful footwork and timing, exquisite”. Are we about to get our first nine of the series? Updated at 6.32pm BST 6.24pm BST Amber and Nikita’s American smooth Late arrival Amber Davies has hit the ground running and topped the combined scoreboard last week, which made the perfect birthday present. Pro partner Nikita Kuzmin has choreographed a packed foxtrot-style routine, with park benches and bike-o-graphy. Sweet mood, swinging and swaying. Lots going on and lovely lifts. The judges told Amber to build from the foundations of footwork and I’d say she has. Splendid start to the show. Song: Sixteen Going on Seventeen from The Sound of Music. The Rodgers and Hammerstein song was memorably spoofed by Dawn and Jennifer as “I am French/And you are Saunders”. 6.21pm BST Cynthia will be commenting but not scoring. Shame or wise? I err towards the latter. 6.19pm BST Our Strictly stars™ Our couples come out for welcome waves and it’s a fancy dress frenzy. Lion King African prints! Pigeons on hats! Mullet wigs and massive Thor mallets! Preposterous Thunderbirds costumes are go! 6.17pm BST Judges get a plus-one Here come our paddle-raising panel of Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas. They’re in best black tie for the occasion. Motsi looking fabulous. Their ranks are swelled by, you guessed it, Cynthia Erivo, who gets the middle chair. 6.15pm BST Cynthia Erivo introduced They sure are holding a lot of space for her tonight. Donny Osmond and Carlton from The Fresh Prince didn’t get this treatment. 6.14pm BST Frockwatch Here come our Hollywood hosts, so time for the weekly couture clash. Tess Daly is pink tassels. Claudia Winkleman is in a chic black V-neck number. Claudia wins. 6.13pm BST More suited to Halloween Week, arguably. A tale of broomstick-riding, pointy-hatted, green-faced forbidden love with all the pros getting to play both roles. Lovely storytelling and a big spinning lift sequence to finish. 6.11pm BST The pros cast a spell Something wicked this way comes. We open with the professional dancers performing the first of two filmic group numbers this weekend. This one, choreographed by Jason Gilkison, is based on upcoming fantasy film Wicked For Good – sequel to one of the highest grossing movie musicals of all time and starring, of course, a certain Cynthia Erivo. 6.09pm BST That VT introducing Cynthia Erivo felt “a bit ITV”, didn’t it? 6.08pm BST Cue clapalong titles Wave goodbye to Thomas Skinner, who has already wheeled his suitcase towards the Strictly taxi of doom, the same journey he made on BBC stablemate The Apprentice. Ta-ta, Tommy Bosh. 6.07pm BST And we’re off! Roll the traditional movie-themed VT. Black and white this year. Classy. 6.04pm BST Buckle up, Barry Norman. We’re about to go over live to Elstree Studios… 5.59pm BST Amanda Holden-hosted quiz The Celebrity Inner Circle wrapping up on BBC1 now. Noboy understands the rules, probably including Amanda Holden. Mere minutes to wait now… 5.55pm BST On your filmic dance cards Tonight’s 13 routines include the first rumba and Couple’s Choice of the series. Bullfighting fans will also see not one but three paso dobles. A mere 10 minutes until the glitterball starts spinning… 5.51pm BST Ross King tipped for exit (again) Dear old Ross King is bookies’ strong favourite for the second elimination, priced at evens to depart the contest this weekend. However, he dodged the dance-off entirely last week so it’s all to play for. Chris Robshaw is favourite to face him in the dance-off, followed by La Voix. Just 14 minutes until that ba-ba-da theme tune… 5.47pm BST Let’s play Movie Week bingo Tick them off when you spot them! Take a drink for each! Default on your mortgage and end up sleeping in the Jag! Here’s your 10-point spotter’s checklist for Movie Week: Cynthia Erivo scores on the generous side but not “Donny Osmond levels” Misuse of the word “iconic” Rumba is described as “notoriously tricky for male celebrities” A celebrity unconvincingly claims that they’re paying tribute to their all-time favourite film. (Miss Congeniality? Really?) Tess says “They’re on their feet!” or “Your little face!” Anton Du Beke harks back to his own Movie Week routines of yore Film-themed VT with Craig playing the villain You get confused and think Claudia is about to host a Round Table in the Scottish Highlands Judges have no clue how to mark Couple’s Choice so dish out random high scores Widespread “Awws!” and “Get well soons” sent to Stefan Dennis 5.41pm BST Show has been shortened Stefan’s absence means the BBC has taken the unusual step of reducing the show’s running time tonight. It will be 10 minutes shorter than advertised, finishing at 8.30pm, rather than 8.40pm. What will we all do with those extra 10 minutes? Use them wisely, ballroom fans. It’s 25 minutes until the glittery curtain comes up…. 5.36pm BST Stefan Dennis throws a sickie Don’t worry, there hasn’t been an emergency at Lassiters. Fear not, Bouncer is OK. It was announced yesterday that Neighbours star Stefan Dennis will not be taking part in tonight’s show due to illness. In line with Strictly rules, Dennis and pro partner Dianne Buswell will receive a bye through to next week, when it’s hoped the actor will be well enough to perform. Less than half an hour until choreographic kick-off… 5.35pm BST Saturday night at the movies Lights, camera, dancing action! Good evening and welcome to Movie Week madness. I’m Michael, your torch-wielding, ice cream-selling for tonight’s Strictly Come Dancing live show. You are cordially invited to watch along with me as the red carpet is rolled out for the first themed weekend of 2025. After last week’s first elimination – you’re fired, Thomas Skinner – tonight our 14 surviving pro-celebrity pairs take to the Elstree Studios ballroom floor once again. Or at least, 13 of them do. More on that in a moment. They’ll be performing routines inspired by Hollywood films, so expect a feast of fancy dress and props. Oscar-nominated Hollywood star Cynthia Erivo is on hand as guest judge and mentor to help them deliver blockbuster performances. On Sunday night, the credits will roll on one couple’s competition. No more of this “scores carried forward from last week” business. Tonight’s judges’ totals will be combined with the public vote, then the bottom two couples will dance for survival. But whose routine will be a box office smash? And which flop will go straight to DVD?? The clapperboard comes down at 6.05pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 5.35pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and snark from the cheap seats. So stock up on popcorn, bucket-sized drinks and exorbitant pick ’n’ mix and I’ll see you on the front row of the cinema. 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 your Movie Week messages. As usual, I’ll flick, kick and fleckerl down there every now and again to gauge your reaction to the show. Please don’t be shy about sharing your thoughts. Are you ready for your Movie Week close-up? Nearly time to staaaaaart cinematic dancing!