Thank you and a glittery goodnight - for now
Who’s Tower Ballroom-bound and who’s doomed for minibreak heartbreak? I fear for Graeme Hall and Will Best. After that plucky, stylish Charleston performance, I truly hope Jaime Winstone is safe.
That concludes Saturday’s live hoofing action but we’ll be back on dance detail tomorrow. The results show airs at the very-slightly-later time of 7.15pm Sunday on BBC One. I’ll reopen up the blog at 6.45pm for build-up. Hope you’ll rejoin me then. In the meantime, I’m @michaelhogan on Twitter/X, so please do shoulder-shimmy past and say hi.
Thanks for watching along with me and your ever-excellent company. Meet you here tomorrow to see who’s missing the Blackpool megabus. In the meantime, it’s the fabulous family motto: keeeeeep dancing! Goodnight.
Finally, MereMortal says: “Cach and his partner Maddie are really the ones that I most enjoy watching. Cach moves like he’s generating the dance from his innermost being. He doesn’t look like he’s trying to remember what to do, he’s just in it and causing it to happen. That Charleston was extraordinary. So rhythmic, so flowing, just a joy. I’m so pleased they got 39 for it.”
Sebnose says: “Dear lord, I’ve downed way too much port, I’m actually contemplating rummaging through the attic for my Robbie album where he does all the old standards, including this.”
wgcolvin says: “After all the negative comments about the three hosts at the beginning, they are definitely settling down very nicely indeed. Having two on the floor doing the intros works much better than Tess doing all the work on her own.”
CasLass says: “That balcony is rowdy as hell. Jojo leading a can-can to chants of ‘Blackpool, Blackpool’ is pure joy. I’m loving this new trio.”
fihema says: “Oh look! Keira Knightley’s husband’s in the audience. I wonder if he’s brought a beef wellington?”
MikeMoonlight adds: “I know that the BBC is having to make drastic cuts but making the Strictly contestants build their own set is going a bit too far.”
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ladyglecora says of Will Best’s paso doble: “Zoolander vibes from Will there. Camp as Christmas and about as Spanish as Benidorm.”
Epithelialcell66 says: “Follow the rules for Aunty Shirley, Vito. B ut what about Dani’s illegal lifts earlier?”
Jockette61 adds: “Once again, Shirley allows rule infringements for one contestant and dings two others for breaking the rules. So inconsistent and biased.”
wgcolvin says: “Smalltown Boy is a gay classic. I felt it was almost a song made for me. I would love to hear how he would write it now. But at the time is was so groundbreaking, never had a song been written and be a hit that described how being gay in the late 70s/80s felt. My exit route was NI to England in 85, the difference was A-MAZ-ING.”
MikeMoonlight says of Carlos’ outfit: “Good to see Eric Morecambe’s sock suspenders from his ‘There Ain’t Nothing Like A Dame’ routine making a well-deserved comeback.”
LazyMillennial adds: “If I tore a muscle, any muscle, I would absolutely not be dancing an amazing sexy Chicago charleston the very next week.”
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YodaKnowsAll says: “As per Josh, seems like Jojo’s Dojo has won!!!”
emilyscatnaps adds: “I knew they loved us lol”
Somersetlass says: “What a comeback for Jaime! Some terrific synchronisation and loads of fun. Love her bond with Carlos too.”
TallulahBankhead says: “Jaime looks great, and while I’m not a great fan of the Charleston, I thought that was very tidily done.”
LazyMillennial adds: “A good show tonight. Cach’s Charleston was the best dance I’ve seen on Strictly in ages. It’s almost a shame that the ‘reward’ is a trip to Blackpool.”
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MikeMoonlight says: “‘On the results show, there will be a musical performance from Traitors finalist....Bash Croft’. Well, that’s a relief. I thought they were going to announce James Blunt.”
YodaKnowsAll says: “In an anti-judges (mainly Shirley) move, two votes each to Tabby and Lacey, with one to Delta. It looks as if the powers that be do pay attention to this blog. If so, please have a word, consistent marking would be appreciated. Rant over.”
Somersetlass adds: “Hear, hear! And don’t blame the celebs for the choreography.”
Readers’ verdicts are in
Let’s have a round-up of our glitter gang’s comments. Cathy247 says “The competition is so, so, so close this year. I can’t imagine who will end up in the dance off. I’ll be upset to see any of them go. Cach and Maddy really were spectacular. I loved Jaime and Carlos too. It’s in the lap of the strictly gods and goddesses now.”
Gardener_Madihc says: “Not sure who will be in the Dreaded Dance Off ‘tomorrow night’ but I would have said that it should be Graeme and Will but that might just be me. Hopefully all my favourites will be making it through to Blackpool and there won’t be a shock exit.”
ReclinedPotato adds: “I’m not confident the three-way tie at the bottom of the leaderboard won’t deliver more unwarranted dance-off candidates. Done all I can with my votes, fingers crossed!”
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From spinning waltzes to spinning wheels
TV viewers can now stay on BBC One for the return of Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel. At 9pm, entertaining 80s spy thriller Honey, a prequel series to Killing Eve, starts with a double bill on BBC One. At 10pm on BBC Two, there’s 40 Hits of 1975 at the BBC.
If you fancy a film, choose from Meet the Parents (9pm on ITV2), Ran (9pm on BBC Four), Prey (9pm on Film4), A Time To Kill (9pm on Legend Xtra) or Re-Animator (10pm on Rewind TV). You can milk pretty much anything with nipples.
The Dogfather would surely approve I
It’s that time: a brief plug for my new novel. Death At The Dog Hotel. But it’s published this week, so hopefully I can get away with it. It’s a standalone, festive-set sequel to The Dogwalkers’ Detective Agency and can be preordered here.
In case you want to catch up with the previous instalment, my debut is just 99p on Audible and Kindle for a limited time.
Any support would be hugely appreciated and I’ll love you even more than I do already. Anyway. Back to the dancing.
Hold your calls, it’s the Golden Glitterballs
They’re golden. They’re glittery. They’re totally imaginary but highly coveted. Here are this week’s lucky gong-getters…
Best dance: Cach Mercer’s Charleston by a country mile.
Worst dance: Will’s paso wasn’t his Best.
Best music choice: Bronski Beat, The Jacksons and Everything But The Girl were all bangers but for dance-fitting-music, it’s got to be Jaime’s Chicago showtune.
Worst music choice: The Black Eyed Peas didn’t do John’s jive any favours.
Best outfit: Tabby, Dani or Lacey’s turquoise frock with matching gloves.
Worst outfit: Will’s black body stocking or John’s all-white wedding-on-a-beach ensemble.
Best VT: Lacey Turner helping the scenic carpenters build her set. She can’t cook rice, apparently, but she can do woodwork. What a woman.
Worst VT: Tabby easing Mark’s homedickness by taking him to a depressingly empty Canadian bar for grim-looking poutine.
Best judges’ comment: A tie between Craig’s two utterances: “You’re taking the mick, darling,” to Nikita and “A-may-zing” to Cach.
Best Widdicombe witticism: Generously telling Dani after her fiery paso: “I’m going to overlook you leaving anunattendedd flame over there.” Thanks, Dad.
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Those week eight standings
At the end of an eventful night, Cach Mercer tops the leaderboard, with Delta Goodrem in second spot and Jaime Winstone in third place.
Tied at the bottom are Graeme Hall, Lacey Turner and Will Best. As always, though, viewer votes help decide tomorrow’s dance-off. John Nellis might also be in for a nervous wait. Don’t go packing your Piz Buin factor 50 just yet, pairings.
Credits roll
“Keeeeeep dancing,” chorus Emma, Jojo and Joshy. As everyone starts optimistically packing their bikinis and mankinis into wheely suitcases, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
The casting vote goes to…
This week’s deciding dance-off vote goes to… Craig! Good. At least it’s not Shirley.
Tonight’s nifty nine routines get recapped on-screen. Which Blackpool-bound pair will get your vote? Which seaside spoilsports won’t?
And the vote is… open!
The usual prop-laden pandemonium kicks off with a Blackpool twist. Somebody confiscate Julian’s whistle, please.
“Excited to join you in, dare I call it, Jojo’s Dojo,” says Josh. WE DID THAT, GLITTERBALL BANG.
Judges’ scores: 8, 8, 8, 9 for a total of 33 points. “Welcome home, baby,” says Jojo. Jaime makes Carlos cry in the Johannexe by telling him he’s “a beautiful person”. Third on the leaderboard.
Judges’ comments: Craig says “loved it but the turns going upstage were out of sync, otherwise almost perfect, a great detailed job”. Motsi says “so much respect for you, courageous and strong, that was stunning”. Shirley says “dynamic, coordinated, threw caution to the end, swivel got a bit out but kinetic energy was sensational”. Anton concludes “I loved it, if it wasn’t for those spins ar the nd, it would’ve been a perfect dance for me”.
Jaime and Carlos’ Charleston
Actor Jaime Winstone is grateful and thrilled to be dancing again. She only got the medical go-ahead on Tuesday but her torn abdominal is still healing, so she’s been taking it easy in training. Her Charleston with reigning pro champion Carlos Gu will contain no lifts on doctor’s orders, so it’s crammed full of steps instead. The theatricality and characterisation should suit her. Classic styling to a Chicago show tune and stair-ography to open. Traditional moves, hat-ography and playful touches. Lots of swivel, synchronicity and spotlit solo work. Bob Fosse in flavour with lots of flicks, kicks and shaking of hips. Lacking a little bounce and wildness, perhaps, partly due to her injury but cheeky, charming and totally showbiz.
Song: I Can’t Do It Alone by Catherine Zeta-Jones. Her showtune, sung in vaudevillian character as murderer Velma Kelly, from the Oscar-winning 2002 film adaptation of Chicago. Director Rob Marshall originally wanted Zeta-Jones to wear her hair long but she insisted on a short bob because she didn’t want her hair to fall over her face and give people a reason to doubt that she did all of the dancing herself.
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Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 27 points. Joint bottom with Lacey and Graeme with one dance to go.
Judges’ comments: Shirley says “it’s a marching dance and you marched for the whole dance, some od oval shapes and capework wanted more passion but you’re consistent, I just need a rise to the next level”. Anton says “I quite enjoy a march, wanted more shaping, great base but add more layers”. Craig says “shaping was a big problem, lost its Spanish quality, very plonky and straight up-and-down but you presented it quite well”. Motsi concludes “commit more to the character and there was some hip action I’ve never seen in my life”.
Will and Dianne’s paso doble
Penultimate dance now. Big Brother presenter Will Best and pro partner Dianne Buswell are the only remaining couple never to top the leaderboard. Can they make it a full house? It’s a long shot but you never know. Cape-ography to start, then into a dominant and dramatic paso. Promenades, aggressive stamps and strong walks, if a little flat-footed. Will’s embracing his mean, moody side for this character-driven dance. Chin up, chest out, almost balletic moves. Strong shapes and some Spanish curve, but a stick-out bottom and a tad too much walking around for me. Fierce, fiery and powerful.
Song: Smalltown Boy by Bronski Beat. The synth-pop trio’s 1984 debut single describes a young man who decides to leave home after homophobic bullying. “The love that you need will never be found at home” indeed. Singer Jimmy Somerville says he was embarrassed by the song for many years, as he felt his lyrics weren’t good enough. I’d respectfully disagree. Total gay pride anthem and total banger.
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Sweet Blackpool skit. Jojo, out!
Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 27 points. Joint bottom with Graeme as it stands.
“The foxtrot thing was news to me,” admits Josh. He’s on good form tonight, no?
Judges’ comments: Anton says “a thing of beauty, loved the performance but it looked like an American smooth rather than foxtrot, gapping and frame broke down”. Craig says “it wasn’t a foxtrot, it’s not an open dance”. Motsi says “loved the opening and the pizzazz, the foxtrot part was difficult, keep your confidence in hold and take up space”. Shirley concludes “you’re one of the most musical ladies we have, it was entertaining and you didn’t dance badly, but Vito, please follow the rules for Auntie Shirley”. Vito takes responsibility for the choreography.
Lacey and Vito’s foxtrot
EastEnders actor Lacey Turner has taken on judge Motsi Mabuse’s feedback about dancing independently and is performing more solo content in this slow foxtrot. Jewellery shop opening on a set that she helped build. Slow and sophisticated in hold with pro partner Vito Coppola. Light on her feet and moving smoothly across the floor. The foxtrot footwork can be technically exposing and she needs to maintain her frame but her feather steps and heel leads look good to my untrained eye. Gliding gracefully around as one. Clean and classy. Some gapping and hurried footwork but a retro, Hollywood-style, jazzy treat. Lacey has scored 28 points for her previous ballroom numbers and this should go higher.
Song: Have You Met Miss Jones? by Robbie Williams. Originally written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for 1937 musical I’d Rather Be Right , it was covered by Robbie for 2001 romcom Bridget Jones’s Diary. “Absolutely enormous panties” probably not included.
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Alexis Warr elbows Ginger Neil out of the way on the balcony. “Don’t make me choose,” says Johannes. I’m happy to choose, Jojo, just shout.
Judges’ scores: 9, 9, 8, 9 for a total of 35 points. Her highest score and second highest of the night so far. Everyone pays tribute to Aljaž’s professionalism and he keeps modestly quiet, paying the compliment back to Delta. What a gent.
Judges’ comments: Motsi says “I was on my feet again, to get a partner so late and still create that atmosphere, I rate you so highly”. Shirley says “sensual, sultry, loved the control tracing of the feet on the floor, laser-focused, an awful lot to like”. Anton says “sublime legs and lines, just gorgeous, refined and beautiful to watch”. Craig concludes “every moment was very well-measured, you’re the first person that’s done the leg action properly, really super”.
Delta and Aljaž’s Argentine tango
Delta Goodrem has already missed a week with a rib injury. Now she’s got to get used to a new partner. Due to pro partner Kai Widdrington’s illness, she’s dancing with late stand-in Aljaž Škorjanec, who was second out with Melanie Walters and called in only yesterday. She’s in safe hands with the much-loved Slovenian trio but the chemistry and connection might be a challenge. Looking fab-u-lous in a slinky red dress with split skirt, lighting to match. A slow, elegant take on an Argentine tango with sharp feet and leggy spins. Aljaž is leading her well. Intricate kicks, flicks and fast pivots. Passionate mood and intimate choreography. Powerful and expressive, rather than full of fire, but a clean, controlled stunner.
Song: Missing by Everything But The Girl. Tracy Thorne and Ben Watt’s 1994 banger didn’t become a big hit until house producer Todd Terry’s remix the following year. It went to number three on the charts, making it the duo’s biggest UK hit.
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Jojo leads a Blackpool can-can in the Radebalcony. “Emma and Joshy…”
Judges’ scores: 9, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. Highest score of the series so far. Chaotic scenes.
Emma wipes away sweating Cach’s running eye make-up. Attagirl. Like looking after her gal pal in a pub loo.
Judges’ comments: Craig says “a-may-zing”. Motsi says “you made us wait for that but it was the dance of the season, he clocked it”. Shirley says “I love a comeback, footwork and leg swing great, fantastic performance”. Anton concludes “in the room, the energy was electric, you are flying, that was sensational”. Tens incoming?
Noisy reaction in the studio. Shirley and Motsi on their feet.
Cach and Maddie’s Charleston
Love Islander Cach Mercer and pro partner Maddie Ingoldsby have been top, they’ve been bottom and they were last week’s dance-off survivors. However, tonight’s number should be much more in Cach’s wheelhouse. He needs to let go and allow his sense of fun to shine through. Neighbourly-themed opening and both in spats. Energetic, upbeat and synchronised. Bringing some streetdsnce swagger in parts and bags of confident style. Rhythmic, coordinated and packed with personality. Solo highlights and side-by-side sparkle. Enough you-know-what for Craig Swivel Horwood? Shoulder shimmies, hand claps, kicks and tricks. Spectacular one-armed lift to finish. Cach is literally bouncing back. Brilliant.
Song: Blame It on the Boogie by The Jacksons. The 1978 disco hit was written in the hope of being sold to Steview wonder but was snapped up by the Jacksons instead. In 1989, Stock Aitken Waterman produced a cover version by boyband Big Fun. Remember them? Don’t blame you.
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Judges’ scores: 7, 8, 7, 8 for a total of 30 points. Jojo is wearing a tribute Tabby skirt. “Vicky Gill made me feel like a fairy princess,” says Tabby. Mark’s mum is in the house again. Aww.
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Judges’ comments: Anton says “beautifully elegant, loved your open work and free arm, wonderful breathy motion but you get cramped for space in hold”. Craig says “not always closing your steps but great timing and flow, a really confident performance”. Motsi says “emptional part of the dance was great, concentrate on what’s going on downstairs and move together but I feel your beauty”. Shirley concludes “posture improving, some sticky footwork and too much rise in the pivots but lots to like, you’re a force to be reckoned with”.
Tabby and Mark’s Viennese waltz
Winter Olympic gold medallist Tabby Stoecker has had a rollercoaster few weeks, going from top of the leaderboard to bottom, then back up to second place. Ballroom hasn’t been her strength but can she change that with a romantic Viennese? CGI rooftop opening and a puffy skirt for floating and twirling around the floor. Tabby needs to maintain her frame and keep contact with Canadian pro Mark Karmalita. She’s clearly worked hard on her posture and shoulders. A spectacular spinning lift. A few little footwork stutters but elegant and all-round lovely.
Song: I’m With You by Avril Lavigne. The Canadian singer’s Grammy-nominated 2002 power ballad was sampled by Rihanna for her 2010 single Cheers (Drink to That) and Lavigne made an appearance in the music video. It also featured on the soundtrack of 2024 Marvel movie Deadpool & Wolverine.
Judges’ scores: 7, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 31 points. Highest score after three dances. Overmarked for me.
“I’ve never seen someone sweat their own tan off before,” says Josh. Clearly never been to an Essex “nitespot”.
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Judges’ comments: Motsi says “clean and tidy, some body isolations but it was a bit stop-and-go”. Shirley says “so happy with your standing foot, now finish the arms and connect them with feet”. Anton says “you died a bit towards the end, timing and partnering was super-duper but another 30 seconds and you’d have come to a grinding halt, work on your stamina”. Craig concludes “you were flagging, a problem with upper body not working hard enough, but techincally good”. Armography, armology. Potato, tomato.
John and Katya’s jive
Football content creator John Nellis is another celebrity who’s been boinging up and down the leaderboard. He often looks more comfortable in ballroom hold so how will he cope with a high-energy jive? They start inside a giant CGI football, then get into a slightly plodding white-cad jive. Lots of jumping, flicking and kicking. Awkward changes of gear. Heavy-footed, lacking retraction and compact shape in parts. Pro partner Katya Jones taking her usual “more is more” approach to choreography and bunging in lots of tricks. Jivin’ John flags a little towards the end but Katy ends by showing off her core of steel.
Song: Pump It by Black Eyed Peas. The 2006 rap-dance anthem incorporates guitarist Dick Dave’s surf rock version of Misirlou, as featured on the Pulp Fiction soundtrack. Pump It, meanwhile, graced the soundtrack of cinematic masterpiece Garfield 2: A Tail of Two Kitties.
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Little skit with Emma pretending to play keepy-uppies, before the camera pans back to reveal Josh lying on the floor throwing the ball in the air. He’ll get his nice brown suit dirty.
Judges’ scores: 6, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 30 points.
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Judges’ comments: Craig says “it could have been fantastic but was littered with illegal lifts, you’re taking the mick, darling, but fantastic job”. Motsi says “technical mistakes, shoulders got tense, you lost fluidity but took risks and put on a show”. Shirley says “loved the beginning and end, loved the flamenco pieces and reverse pivoting, needed more secure footwork but be proud of yourself”. Anton concludes “a little mistake and some of it was spent in the air but there’s a world of difference in you, strong and intense, dancing on the edge, love that”.
Dani and Nikita’s paso doble
Riding high after sliding down the banister to top last week’s leaderboard and notch her first 10, Dani Dyer now gets serious for a dramatic paso. Looking every inch the Spanish señorita in a gold embellished dress with black detailing and swishy skirt. Fiery opening, then into fierce moves alongside pro partner Nikita Kuzmin. Intense and full of attitude as they tell the story of the bullfight. Tango-like in places but much improved footwork and posture. Spins, lifts, kicks and a strong solo finish. Exciting power-packed choreo but enough paso content? Olé!
Song: Everybody Wants To Rule The World by Lorde, her cover of Tears For Fears’ 1985 synth-pop hit. The band rerecorded it the following year as Everybody Wants To Run The World, a charity single for Sport Aid. New Zealand singer Lorde’s moody, melodramatic version appeared on the soundtrack of 2013 film The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
Emma Willis gets slid down the bannister by Nikita, a la Dani last week. Sweetly thrilled, like a competition winner. Someone get her a goodie bag.
Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 27 points. “It’s live, mistakes happen,” Jojo reassures him sweetly. Dance-off danger already?
Judges’ comments: Shirley says “Blackpool is looming and you want to stay, some beautiful footwork but got a bit tangled at the end, you should be there on commitment and performance”. Anton says “a number of mistakes but posture and hold much better”. Craig says “a crying shame you went completely wrong twice but the quickstep itself was light and bright”. Motsi concludes “much improved, great leg control, I wish you hadn’t made that mistake but good job”.
Graeme and Lauren’s quickstep
Hde’s slipped to the lower reaches of the leaderboard in the past fortnight but gentlemanly canine expert Graeme Hall loves his ballroom and will be hoping this quickstep can revive his fortunes. A 1950s theme with quiffs, jukebox and red-and-black outfits. He’s been working hard on his hold with pro partner Lauren Oakley. Needs to maintain posture and position. Promenades, skips and hops as they fly energetically around the floor. Charleston flicks and kicks. Could do with being a little lighter on his feet at times and a little stutter in the solo sections but showing some stamina. Loses sync in the late side-by-side section. But smooth, neat styling and lots of frothy fun.
Song: Happy Days by Pratt & McClain. The theme tune to the 1970s sitcom, performed in a 1950s rock’n’roll style to fit the show’s setting. Leather jacket-clad mechanic Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli, played by Henry Winkler, was a minor character for the first two seasons but proved so popular with viewers that he was promoted to co-star alongside Ron “Richie Cunningham” Howard. Heeeeyyyy. Sit on it.
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Jaime Winstone gets welcomed back, despite being dressed as a waiter from 1930s Berlin.
Our Strictly stars™
Our couples emerge on the sparkly staircase for welcome waves. Nikita Kuzmin has his chest out and Will Best is in a black sheer top. Graeme Hall has a stick-on quiff.
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Judges are in the building
Enter the paddle-raising panel of Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke. Everybody dance now, sing C&C Music Factory (tune).
The judges have dished out four perfect 10s so far this series. Will there be more tonight or will they save them for Blackpool?
Frockwatch
Here come our hostly trio, so let’s compare their couture. Emma Willis is in a black silky two-piece with bare midriff. Josh Widdicombe is in a brown double-breasted suit. Johannes Radebe has come as a Hare Krishna monk. Emma wins.
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Aaaaand we’re off!
Cue clapalong titles. Which of these smiling pairs will be starved of fish and chips on Blackpool beach? Plenty of salt and vinegar for me please. And one of those little wooden forks.
Just limping to a close on BBC One is The Famous Finish Line, a gameshow which makes The Celebrity Inner Circle and Alan Carr’s Picture Slam look like mighty works of art.
Only one Strictly alumna in the mobility scooters of general knowledge this week: Catherine Tyldesley, who was partnered with a certain Johannes Radebe in 2019 and was eliminated in week five.
Not long to wait now…
On your dance cards tonight
It should be a spicy night in the ballroom with the nine numbers including two paso dobles (from Dani Dyer and Will Best), two Charlestons (from Cash Mercer and Jaime Winstone) and an Argentine tango (from Delta Goodrem).
There are also three classic ballroom routines and a jive. Something for everyone. It’s a mere five minutes until the glitterball starts spinning…
Ballroom turns into the Traitors castle tomorrow
Sunday night’s results show will have a distinct Traitors flavour. The romantasy-themed group dance from the pros features a special voice cameo from actor Alan Cumming (host of The Traitors US, of course), while the musical guest is Sebastian “Bash” Croft, fresh from his victorious stint on The Celebrity Traitors.
Players, the dancefloor is yours. Just 10 minutes until the clock strikes Strictly…
Eyes down for Strictly bingo
Tick them off as they happen! Take a drink for each! End up typing “chippy chips” into the search box on a delivery app! Here’s your 10-point spotter’s checklist for tonight:
Blackpool gets mentioned so much that you start to smell imaginary candyfloss
Pudsey bear dances across the screen during a Children In Need plug
Motsi and Shirley gang up on Craig when he criticises a hand placement or sticky-up finger
Jojo calls a celebrity “my babe”, “my darling”, “papi” or “mami” during post-dance chat
Anton makes a series of grunts and guttural noises instead of properly critiquing a paso doble
Extra excitement from Emma and Josh because it will be their first Strictly in Blackpool
Emma fans herself with a cue card after Delta’s Argentine tango
Everyone waits with bated breath to see if Craig deems there was sufficient swivel in Cach and Jaime’s Charlestons
Comedy skit between dances involves a stuffed donkey or a rubber seagull on a stick
Craig wears a kiss-me-quick hat/knotted hankie on his head when the voting lines are opened
Quick, somebody book Rylan for Strictly 2027
He always looked like he could bust a move when hosting Strictly: It Takes Two but Rylan Clark proved it on last night’s Children In Need. The charity telethon’s five presenters – Rylan, Alex Jones, Sara Cox, Tyler West and Mel Giedroyc – were paired with Strictly pros for mini-routines.
Strictly alumni Alex and Tyler still looked decent but it was Rylan who stole the show, paired with Amy Dowden for a spectacular salsa dedicated to his mum, Linda. Producers should snap him up to compete on the main series sharp-ish. Hey, he’s got the teeth for it.
It’s 20 minutes until the sparkly curtain comes up…
Who might miss out on a seaside minibreak?
The returning Jaime Winstone is bookies’ favourite for the axe this weekend, followed by Graeme “The Dogfather” Hall.
At the opposite end of the betting, Dani Dyer has shot up to third favourite for the glitterball trophy, behind Lacey Turner and Tabby Stoecker.
In fact, with Delta Goodrem fourth in the odds, bookmakers are predicting an all-female final. Can a male celebrity defy those odds, do we reckon? It’s 25 minutes until we get our first choreographic clues…
Winstone in, Widdrington out
Good news from the sparkly sickbay is that on Tuesday, Jaime Winstone – who missed last week’s show with a torn abdominal muscle – was given the go-ahead from doctors to dance again. She’s been taking it easy in training as she continues her recovery but will return tonight alongside pro partner Carlos Gu.
The bad news is that pro dancer Kai Widdrington misses this week’s show due to illness. Get well soon, Kai. Fellow pro Aljaž Škorjanec will step in to dance with Delta Goodrem instead.
How will a last-minute partner swap affect their Argentine tango? We’ll see in less than half an hour…
The ballroom battle for Blackpool is on
The Tower Ballroom beckons – but one couple won’t be catching the glittery bus north. Good evening and welcome to the eighth live weekend of Strictly Come Dancing 2026. I’m Michael, your cyber-dance partner for tonight’s live show. I’d love you to watch along with me as our nine surviving pro-celebrity pairings bid to make it to next week’s annual Blackpool spectacular
Last week, Dani Dyer soared to the top of the leaderboard for the first time after her showstopping American smooth. Cach Mercer faced Bethany Antonia in the dreaded dance-off and after a split decision, head judge Shirley Ballas got the casting vote and opted to save Cach. Cue controversy and bittersweet farewells to Bethany and her partner Nancy Xu.
Now we’re gearing up for Blackpool and dancing for a place in the seaside special. Our remaining pairs have successfully passed the contest’s midway mark and have the fabled home of ballroom squarely in their sights. Jaime Winstone is back from injury but there is another absence through illness. More on that in a moment.
As always, tonight’s scores will be combined with the public vote and the bottom two will dance for survival on Sunday night. Will we get a pre-seaside surprise? It’s showtime at 6.25pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 5.55pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and ballroom backchat. So kiss me quick, squeeze me slow and I’ll see you on the sofa.
As per usual, I’d love to hear from you too. You can tweet me @michaelhogan, contact me on Bluesky or Threads @michaelhogan100, email me michael.hogan.freelance@guardian.co.uk and the comments section below is open for hoofing hubbub. I’ll swing and sway down there from time to time to see what you’re all saying and report on your reactions.
It’s week eight and the hoofing’s going to be great. Nearly time to staaaart seaside qualifying!
