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Strictly Come Dancing 2025 line-up: Confirmed cast

by jummy84 November 22, 2025

written by jummy84

Blackpool Week has finally arrived on Strictly Come Dancing, with the remaining celebrities all preparing themselves for a performance like no other.

While initially meant to be seven celebrities taking part, there will just be six as La Voix has been forced to miss this weekend due to an injury. As per the Strictly rules, she and Aljaž Škorjanec would have received a bye through to next week; however, it has now been confirmed that La Voix has had to withdraw from the competition entirely on medical grounds.

Presenter Tess told the audience: “Now, as you may have heard, La Voix sustained an injury, meaning she can’t dance in Blackpool tonight.”

She continued: “And following further advice from our medical team, we can now confirm she has very sadly had to withdraw from the competition.”

This means the other contestants will all make it through after Blackpool – but votes and judging scores will be carried over into next week.

As we wait to find out what Blackpool Week has in store, read on to discover more about the line-up for Strictly Come Dancing 2025 and those who have left.

Strictly Come Dancing 2025 line-up: Full cast of confirmed contestants

Read on to learn more about those taking part in the upcoming season.

Amber Davies

Amber Davies. BBC/Guy Levy

Age: 28

Job: Actress

Instagram: @amb_d

Amber Davies became the latest celebrity to join the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 cast after it was announced she’d be replacing Dani Dyer in the line-up.

Amber rose to fame on Love Island in 2017, and since then has pursued a professional acting career, with lead roles in Pretty Woman, 9 to 5: The Musical and The Great Gatsby.

Just this week, she was announced as Elle Woods in the Legally Blonde UK tour.

She also hosts the successful podcast Call To Stage, in which she interviews theatre performers across the West End and Broadway.

Lewis Cope

Age: 30

Job: Actor

Instagram: @lewiscope

Soap fans will recognise Cope from his role as Nicky Milligan in ITV’s Emmerdale – a role for which he was nominated for the Rising Star Award at the National Television Awards back in 2023.

He has also appeared in TV series such as Vera, Mrs Sidhu Investigates and Hetty Feather.

Karen Carney

Age: 38

Job: Journalist

Instagram: @kazcarney

Sports journalist and former footballer Karen Carney was the 14th celebrity to be announced for Strictly.

Karen has played for the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Birmingham City and England, and is now the lead female pundit for both men’s and women’s football, across TNT and ITV.

With 144 caps under her belt, Karen is England’s third most-capped player and has competed at four World Cups, four European Championships and the London Olympics before her retirement in 2019.

George Clarke

Week 40 Strictly Come Dancing 2025 — Alexis Warr is dancing with social media star George Clarke. Elisabeth Hoff

Age: 25

Job: YouTube

Instagram: @georgeclarkeey

YouTuber and podcast host George Clarke may not be that well known among usual Strictly viewers, having rose to fame across TikTok and Instagram.

George is a social media star known to millions and currently co-hosts The Useless Hotline Podcast, which has had a string of live shows across the UK.

On joining Strictly Come Dancing, George said: “Never thought I’d say this… but I’m doing Strictly! Honestly, I’ve got no idea what I’m doing but I’m excited to get stuck in … and potentially fall over a fair bit.”

Alex Kingston

Age: 62

Job: Actress

Instagram: @alexkingstonofficial

Alex Kingston is a star of both the stage and screen, gaining international fame for her role as Dr Elizabeth Corday in smash hit ER. But it doesn’t stop there, with her known to millions as River Song in Doctor Who.

Her other work includes A Discovery of Witches, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Arrow. Her extensive theatre roles include playing the likes of Lady Macbeth and Nurse Ratchet.

On joining Strictly Come Dancing, she said: “Aaaaagghhh!”

Balvinder Sopal

Age: 46

Job: Actress

Instagram: @leesopal

Balvinder is the second soap star part of the Strictly Come Dancing cast, and continues the annual streak of an EastEnders actor taking part on the show.

Best known for her role as Suki Panesar-Unwin in EastEnders, Sopal has also had a string of roles in various other soaps including Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks.

On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Balvinder Sopal said: “Being on Strictly is a dream that I held on to, with no proof that it would ever happen. Working on EastEnders and being a part of Strictly Come Dancing is the stuff that dreams are made of. I’m far too excited to put into words how I feel but I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom!”

Former Strictly Come Dancing 2025 contestants

La Voix

Age: 45

Job: Performer

Instagram: @lavoixtheshow

La Voix is a performer, presenter and singer who is best known for competing in RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2024.

She is the second drag queen to take part in Strictly, with Tayce previously taking part in the 2024 Christmas special.

La Voix has appeared on the likes of Queens for the Night and Queen of the Universe, and has even graced the silver screen for Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie.

Speaking of joining Strictly, La Voix said: “I’ve performed for royalty, RuPaul and Simon Cowell, but nothing fills me with more excitement (and quite a bit of terror) than the thought of dancing in front of millions on live Saturday night TV.

“Strictly is a national institution and I can’t wait to get started. All that’s left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here’s hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse.”

Vicky Pattison

Age: 37

Job: TV personality

Instagram: @vickypattison

Vicky Pattison is a TV personality who rose to fame after appearing on Geordie Shore in the 2010s, and later on Ex on the Beach. Since then, she has presented the likes of Judge Geordie and The Honesty Box.

On joining the line-up, Vicky said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up… but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified. I am a not a natural dancer!

“However, it’s such an amazing opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone and to challenge myself in a completely new way and I just really hope I don’t make too much of a fool of myself!”

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey

Age: 36

Job: TV personality and Olympian

Instagram: @aikines

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is an Olympian, multi gold medal-winning Team GB sprinter and, now, star of Gladiators.

At just 17 years old, he was named BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year in 2005, after becoming the first athlete to win gold medals at both 100 metres and 200 metres at the World Youth Championships.

He joined the Gladiators line-up in 2023, and was unveiled as Nitro, who is a firm fan favourite among viewers.

He said of joining Strictly Come Dancing: “After the Christmas special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice! I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly family this series and I’m ready to give it all I’ve got. I’ll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let’s hope I’m as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.”

Ellie Goldstein

Age: 23

Job: Model

Instagram: @elliejg16_zebedeemodel

Ellie Goldstein is a model, actor and influencer who made history as the first model with Down syndrome to appear on the cover of British Vogue.

Since then, she has appeared on the covers of Glamour, Elle, Mission Mag and Euphoria magazines and has featured in campaigns for the likes of Adidas and Gucci Beauty.

On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Ellie said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to be joining the cast and pros of Strictly Come Dancing this year. It’s a show I’ve loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream.

“I know it’s going to be challenging, but I’m ready to do it with the glitter and glamour and make some magic on that dance floor. Let the Strictly journey begin!”

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

Age: 53

Job: Former professional footballer

Instagram: @official_jhasselbaink

Former professional footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was the fourth celebrity to be announced for Strictly, and many will know him for his prolific goal-scoring career in the Premier League and across Europe.

Jimmy has played for clubs including Chelsea, Leeds United and Middlesbrough and has served as an assistant coach for the England national team.

On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Hasselbaink said: “Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I’ve done before but I’m looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals.”

Stefan Dennis

Age: 66

Job: Actor

Instagram: @stefandennis7

Stefan Dennis is an actor best known for his portrayal of Paul Robinson on Neighbours. He has been part of the soap since its inception in 1985, up until is end later this year.

He has also starred on the Scottish soap River City and has dabbled in the music world, with his 1989 single Don’t It Make You Feel Good reaching number 16 in the Irish and UK Singles Chart.

Chris Robshaw

Age: 39

Job: Former rugby union player

Instagram: @chrisrobshawrugby

Chris Robshaw is a former England rugby union player and captain, with 66 caps for England. He captained the national team 43 times, leading them to a Six Nations Grand Slam victory in 2016.

At club level, he played 300 games for Harlequins RFC, guiding them through their most successful era.

“This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets,” Chris said of joining the line-up. “I’m hoping to take my dad dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can’t wait to drag me along to her Zumba class. Let’s see if a rugby sidestep works in the cha-cha-cha.”

Chris Robshaw became the third celebrity to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing.

Ross King

Age: 63

Job: Presenter

Instagram: @therossking

Ross King is the 13th celebrity announced to be joining Strictly Come Dancing 2025.

Ross is seen daily on ITV’s Good Morning Britain and Lorraine as their Los Angeles correspondent and is a four-time news Emmy winner who has hosted more than 30 television series since his first radio broadcast at 15 years old.

Across the pond, Ross was a World Judge on CBS’ The World’s Best, hosted The Hollywood Christmas Parade, The Critics Choice Movie Awards Red Carpet and for six years was the Entertainment Anchor on Los Angeles’ KTLA.

Ross King, alongside dance partner Jowita Przystal, became the second contestant to be eliminated from the 2025 series after he failed to impress the judges during Movie Week performing a Paso Doble to the Thunderbirds theme.

Thomas Skinner

Age: 34

Job: Businessman

Instagram: @iamtomskinner

Former The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner is the latest name confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing, with the businessman saying he is “beyond excited” to join the line-up.

Thomas Skinner rose to fame in 2019 after appearing on The Apprentice, and while he didn’t win the show, he is one of the more popular contestants.

Since then, he has appeared on Celebrity MasterChef and 8 Out of 10 Cats.

Thomas and dance partner Amy Dowden were the first couple to be eliminated from Strictly this year after a dance off with opponent Chris Robshaw who was ultimately saved by the judges.

Dani Dyer

Age: 28

Job: TV personality

Instagram: @danidyerxx

After rising to fame on Love Island in 2018, Dani Dyer has gone from strength to strength in her career and currently co-hosts the podcast Sorted with the Dyers with her father, Danny Dyer, along with a travelogue series Absolutely Dyer: Danny and Dani Do Italy.

She has made guest appearances in EastEnders and Celebrity Gogglebox and since her Love Island rise to fame, she has amassed over three million followers on social media.

On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Dani said: “Getting the opportunity to be on Strictly is the second most amazing thing I’ve done this year! I feel very, very blessed and cannot wait to get my dancing shoes on.”

Dani unfortunately had to withdraw from the competition after fracturing her ankle ahead of the first live show.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday 22nd November at 6:45pm.

Add Strictly Come Dancing to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

November 22, 2025 0 comments

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Who is Lewis Cope? Meet Strictly Come Dancing 2025 contestant and actor

by jummy84 November 9, 2025

written by jummy84

Emmerdale star Lewis Cope and pro partner Katya Jones have performed another brilliant routine on Strictly Come Dancing 2025, leaving fans hopeful that they’ll make it to week 8 of the contest.

The duo were joint third on the Strictly Come Dancing leaderboard after tonight’s show, tying with Karen Carney and Carlos Gu, with their energetic Cha Cha to I Like It Like That by Pete Rodriguez.

Just prior to the scores coming in, Katya made reference to how Lewis had worked up quite a sweat in the fast-paced routine, letting slip one “disgusting” detail that took Claudia Winkleman by surprise.

Although the couple came out with another highly commendable score, it did mark a decline on last week’s perfect 40, which was awarded for a superb Couple’s Choice dance to Creep by Radiohead on Halloween week.

If Cope has caught your attention, read on for more about the actor as his Strictly Come Dancing 2025 journey continues.

Who is Lewis Cope?

Katya Jones and Lewis Cope. Elisabeth Hoff

Age: 30

Job: Actor

Instagram: @lewiscope

Partner: Katya Jones

Lewis Cope is an actor who is best known for his role in ITV’s Emmerdale, in which he played series regular Nicky Miligan.

He was nominated for the Rising Star Award at the 2023 National Television Awards for the role. Away from the Dales, Cope has also starred in Vera, Mrs Sidhu Investigates and Hetty Feather.

Cope has been acting for quite some time, having made his stage debut at 11 years old, taking on the role of Michael in the West End hit Billy Elliot: The Musical.

Lewis Cope’s Strictly journey so far

Scoreboard

Week 1: Jive (7+7+7+7) = 28

Week 2: Viennese Waltz (7+7+6+7) = 27

Week 3: Paso Doble (9+10+9+9) = 37

Week 4: Foxtrot (8+9+9+8) = 34

Week 5: Quickstep (9+9+8+8) = 34

Week 6: Couple’s Choice (10+10+10+10) = 40

Week 7: Cha Cha (8+9+9+9) = 35

What is Lewis Cope dancing to in Week 7 on Strictly?

Lewis and his dance partner Katya danced a Cha Cha to I Like It Like That by Pete Rodriguez.

What TV shows has Lewis Cope acted in?

Caleb and Nicky conspire together in Emmerdale — **William Ash as Caleb and Lewis Cope as Nicky in Emmerdale. ITV**

Most notably, Lewis Cope starred in Emmerdale for over 100 episodes from 2022 to 2024.

His other credits include Vera, Mrs Sidhu Investigates, Doctors and Hetty Feather. Lewis appeared in just one episode of Vera as Marcus Hynde in 2021.

As per his IMDb, Lewis has one upcoming project called Kazzy. Though details on his character are yet to be unveiled.

Who are Lewis Cope’s siblings?

Little is known on who Lewis Cope’s siblings are, though it was revealed that Lewis is one of 14!

During an episode of Strictly Come Dancing, it was revealed that Lewis has three brothers who are professional boxers, ranging from professional, ex-professional and amateur.

Lewis previously opened up about his family during an appearance on Lorraine, telling the host that Christmas time is “lovely”.

What did Lewis Cope say about joining Strictly Come Dancing?

On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Cope said in a statement: “I’m so excited to be swapping the Dales for the dance floor and joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.”

He continued: “I’ve always been a fan of the show and cannot wait to get started!”

The news of his casting was announced on The One Show, where he admitted he wasn’t initially in the running to take part in the series.

“If anything, it’s probably helped me,” he said on the programme. “Because I haven’t really had time to think about it or anything.

“So now the excitement has kind of just taken over, and I’m just like all inside.”

Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday 1st November at 6:35pm.

Add Strictly Come Dancing to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

November 9, 2025 0 comments

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Strictly star left “shaking” as dance of the night upends leaderboard

by jummy84 November 8, 2025

written by jummy84

Vicky Pattison and professional partner Kai Widdrington have earned their highest score to date on Strictly Come Dancing 2025, with a blockbuster Tango blowing everything out of the water tonight.

The television personality performed the dance to The Fate of Ophelia by pop superstar Taylor Swift, with Kai telling Claudia Winkleman after the performance that she was perfectly suited to the task.

“I didn’t want to tell Vicky this in the week, because I wanted to wait for this moment,” he began. “The thing is about Vicky is that she didn’t need to get into character for this dance because she is everything that this dance is about.

“Strong, independent, confident, willing, able and, to be honest, Anton was right: to dance that with Vicky felt like dancing with a professional – it was that good.”

Indeed, Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke said he was “stunned” by just how good the dance was, while infamously strict Craig Revel Horwood said it was “perfect” besides a minor complaint about the placement of Vicky’s left hand.

Motsi Mabuse stood by last week’s comment that Pattison is a potential finalist, adding: “Without a doubt, you are on fire. Whatever is giving you that fire, keep it up – this was, for me, the dance of the night.”

Shirley Ballas concurred that it was the “best” of tonight’s episode, describing Pattison and Widdrington’s work as nothing short of “remarkable”.

As their glowing praise came in, Strictly presenter Tess Daly commented that Pattison was “shaking”, and the reality star’s response only became more ecstatic in the Clauditorium.

Vicky Pattison. BBC / Ray Burmiston

The four experts certainly put their scoring paddles where their mouth was, awarding the couple three 10s and a 9 (holdout Craig, of course), for a near-perfect score that became the highest of this week’s leaderboard.

Pattison and Widdrington narrowly pipped Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin (38), and pushed well ahead of last week’s top scorers Lewis Cope and Katya Jones (35).

It puts the couple in a strong position for this week’s public vote, which will lead to yet another dance off and elimination – the results of which will be revealed tomorrow night.

Strictly Come Dancing results show airs Sunday at 7:10pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One and iPlayer.

Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

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November 8, 2025 0 comments

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Who left Strictly 2025? Fifth celebrity to be voted out revealed

by jummy84 November 2, 2025

written by jummy84

Halloween Week has seen another celebrity and professional leave Strictly Come Dancing following a strong night of performances.

But while last night saw the judges dish out their first perfect score of the series, a few other pairs were not so lucky, with four duos failing to hit the 30-point mark on the leaderboard.

Two of those pairs then had to face the dreaded dance off, with Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola coming up against Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon.

After performing their dances once more, the first three judges to vote – Anton du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse – unanimously sided with Balvinder and Julian, eliminating Ellie and Vito from the competition.

Although not required to give her vote, Shirley Ballas confirmed that she, too, would have opted for Balvinder and Julian, though adding that she thought “Ellie was also outstanding throughout the whole competition.”

Following their elimination, Tess Daly said to Vito that “Everyone behind the scenes, everyone in front of the camera, everyone at home, can see what an incredible partnership you have had with Ellie and just how much it means to you.”

Vito himself told Ellie: “Honestly, there are no words I can use to describe how proud I am of you and you did really change my life so much. You made me such a better person.

“At the beginning of this year, I said to myself please, please please can you send me a beautiful angel into my life? And now you arrived.

“I’ve never had a little sister but I always wanted one. Now, I have you and you’re my little sister forever, and your big brother is always by your side.”

On dancing with Vito, Ellie said “I’ve enjoyed it so much! He is a kind person and all I wanted from day one. You have been so heartwarming, thank you to you [Vito].”

Vito then affirmed that the pair would continue to dance together despite their elimination.

With only nine couples remaining in the Strictly line-up, we now look forward to next week’s show, in which our dancers will be joined by the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment to mark Remembrance Sunday.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday 1st November at 6:35pm.

Add Strictly Come Dancing to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

November 2, 2025 0 comments

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Who left Strictly 2025? Fourth celebrity to be voted out revealed

by jummy84 October 27, 2025

written by jummy84

Strictly Come Dancing bid farewell to another celebrity and their professional partner this weekend following Saturday night’s Icons Week.

Despite both finishing in the top six of the judges’ leaderboard, the bottom two pairs when viewer voted were combined were Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley, and Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin.

Following the dance-off, it was up to Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke to have their say – and they unanimously decided to save Amber and Nikita.

As a result, it meant Jimmy and Lauren were eliminated from the competition.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley with Tess Daly on Strictly Come Dancing. BBC/Guy Levy

Speaking to Tess Daly at the end of Sunday night’s show, the former Chelsea footballer – whose American Smooth to Purple Rain on Icons Week was actually his highest score of the season – said: “I have absolutely loved my experience.

“I can only say thank you very much for letting me have this experience and to my daughters for pushing me to come here and do this. I never expected that I would enjoy it this much.”

Lauren said that she was “absolutely gutted” to be voted out, adding: “We’ve had so many laughs. We have had the best time and I am so proud of how far he has come.

“And it proves that anyone can be a dancer if you put your mind to it. He’s a footballer! And he just danced like that. I’m just so proud and I feel honoured to have been able to teach you.”

**Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley on Strictly Come Dancing, as Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly watch on. BBC/Guy Levy**

There are now just 10 couples left in the Strictly line-up – one fewer than anticipated at this stage in the season following Stefan Dennis’s withdrawal due to injury – and they all move on to Halloween Week next Saturday.

Elsewhere on yesterday’s show, Tess and Claudia Winkleman addressed their decision to leave the BBC series at the end of the year by thanking fans for their messages of support – and La Voix couldn’t resist a cheeky joke about the pair’s impending exit.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday 1st November at 6:35pm.

Add Strictly Come Dancing to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

October 27, 2025 0 comments

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Strictly Come Dancing’s La Voix makes cheeky joke about Tess Daly exit

by jummy84 October 26, 2025

written by jummy84

After a brief message from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the beginning of the show, talk of the presenting duo’s recently announced departure from the beloved series was kept to a minimum during tonight’s episode. At least, until the very last dancer of the night.

La Voix and her professional partner Aljaž Škorjanec closed the show with a salsa to Cher’s 1998 hit Strong Enough, and following their routine the Drag Race star made a cheeky joke to Tess ahead of receiving the judges’ feedback.

“Oh Tess, you’re still here!” she said, to which the host replied: “I’m still here,” before laughing at the comment.

Tess and Claudia announced earlier in the week that “now feels like the right time” to depart the show, and they opened this week’s programme with a heartfelt thank you for the “beautiful messages” they had received from fans since breaking the news.

They also stressed that there were still another eight weeks to go and another Strictly champion to crown, before moving on to this week’s performances – as the remaining contestants took to the floor for the annual Icons Week.

La Voix & Aljaž Škorjanec on Strictly Come Dancing. BBC/Guy Levy

Across the night, the couples danced routines to hits from a range of musical superstars past and present, with Prince, Ariana Grande and the aforementioned Cher just some of the legends whose songs were heard throughout the broadcast.

La Voix and Aljaž’s performance saw them receive a score of 28 points from the judges – double their disappointing total of 14 from last week – with that score placing them just ahead of bottom placed George Clarke and Alexis Warr on the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 leaderboard.

Karen Carney, Ellie Goldstein and Balvinder Sopal were also all tied on 28 points, while at the other end of the leaderboard Lewis Cope sits on top with 34 points, followed by Vicky Pattinson and Amber Davies, both of whom scored 33.

Now it’s over to the viewers at home to have their say before those votes are added to the judges’ scores to determine which couples will have to face the dreaded dance-off in Sunday night’s results show.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One and iPlayer on Sunday 26th October at 7:15pm.

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Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

October 26, 2025 0 comments

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Strictly fans “gutted” as they spot Stefan Dennis with fellow injured celeb

by jummy84 October 25, 2025

written by jummy84

Strictly Come Dancing’s Icons Week was full of impressive performances, fabulous costumes and even a couple of starry cameos, but fans were sad to see two former contestants watching on from the sidelines due to injury.

Earlier this week, Neighbours favourite Stefan Dennis had to withdraw from the competition after tearing his calf, meaning he and his pro partner Dianne Buswell were no longer in the Strictly line-up.

Before any of tonight’s (25th October) routines, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman shared a message of support for Stefan, who was sitting in the audience.

“Stefan and Dianne had to sadly withdraw from the competition this week as Stefan sustained an injury,” Claudia told viewers. “He’s here with us tonight. We love you Stefan.”

Tess added: “Lots of love to you Stefan from all of us.”

It was particularly poignant, as fans noticed that he was sitting next to Dani Dyer, who was also forced to pull out of this season before the live shows had even begun after fracturing her ankle.

Dani Dyer and Stefan Dennis on Strictly Come Dancing. BBC

One viewer wrote on X: “aww stefan and dani… my two faves injured… GUTTED!!!! heartbroken mate!!”

Another wrote: “awwww bless stefan and dani sat in the audience!!! i bet it’s so hard for them to 🙁 but so glad they get the experience some of the magic still.”

After Dani – who had been partnered with Nikita Kuzmin – dropped out of the show, she was replaced by a fellow former Love Island star, Amber Davies.

Elsewhere on tonight’s episode of Strictly, Tess and Claudia thanked fans for their “beautiful messages” following the news that they will both be leaving the show this year, and Ellie Goldstein and Vicky Pattison were surprised by two of their music icons.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One and iPlayer on Sunday 26th October at 7:15pm.

Add Strictly Come Dancing to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

October 25, 2025 0 comments

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‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman to Exit

by jummy84 October 23, 2025

written by jummy84

“Strictly Come Dancing” presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have announced their departure from the BBC series.

In a video posted to both their Instagram accounts, the pair revealed they had made the joint decision to leave the show. “There have been some rumblings, and we want you to hear this from us,” Winkleman began. “After 21 wonderfully joyful years on ‘Strictly,’ we have decided that the time is right to step aside and pass on the baton,” Daly continued.

Daly has presented the dance competition series since its start in 2004, whereas Winkleman joined as her co-host in 2014 when Sir Bruce Forsyth left the show.

“We have loved working as a duo and hosting ‘Strictly’ has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time,” they continued in the video’s caption. “We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series and we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show. They’re the most brilliant team and we’ll miss them every day. We will cry when we say the last ‘keep dancing’ but we will continue to say it to each other. Just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza.”

Daly added in her own statement on Instagram: “This isn’t a goodbye to glitter, sequins or Saturday night sparkle (I could never say goodbye to those!). ‘Strictly’ will forever hold a special place in my heart — but it does feel like the right time to hand over the reins.”

The 23rd season of “Strictly Come Dancing” is currently airing on the BBC, with its finale set for Dec. 20. Daly and Winkleman will continue to host the show through the end of this season, and then the hunt will be on for the BBC to find new presenters.

“I’ve always believed it’s best to leave a party before you’re fully ready to go and I know the new hosts will be magnificent, I look forward to watching them take ‘Strictly’ to new heights,” Winkleman added in a separate post. “As for Tess — I’m so so lucky I got to stand next to you. You’re funny, kind, whip smart and a true friend and I love you.”

October 23, 2025 0 comments

TV & Streaming

Shirley Ballas “emotional” as Strictly star dances a “perfect” rumba

by jummy84 October 19, 2025

written by jummy84

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirely Ballas was left emotional following Alex Kington’s rumba during tonight’s episode (Saturday 18th October) of the show.

Alongside her professional partner Johannes Radebe, the Doctor Who star took to the dance floor to perform a moving rumba to Fast Car by Tracy Chapman.

The routine was showered with praise by the Strictly judges, with Ballas rising from her chair to hug Kingston.

She said: “I’m going to get emotional. In all my time on Strictly, I have never seen a pair of legs work like that. Every close in place. Every forward walk turning.”

She added: “Just an absolute perfect routine for me. The choreography was stunning. The way the temperature was between you was portrayed beautifully.”

Alex Kingston.. BBC/Ray Burmiston

Anton Du Beke also then rose to give Alex a handshake, before Craig said in his feedback: “I would have liked to see you exaggerate the top line ever so slightly. The legs, the balance, the tone. You are becoming quite a dancer. You really are.”

Motsi Mabuse was also full of praise, saying: “This was on a whole different level. And the breathing in the dancing. And just the partnership, the dancing… the both of you.”

Alex and Johannes went on to score 36 out of a possible 40, with Ballas awarding her first 10 of the series. (It’s never to early, after all!)

Speaking to host Claudia Winkleman ahead of her scores being revealed, Alex said of her routine: “The thing is, I have such an amazing connection with Johannes, and it’s all about connection, and it’s, sort of, not being embarrassed about being connected.”

Later in the broadcast, Shirley professed that she was having another “emotional moment”, as Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola closed the show with a joyous performance of Golden from K-Pop Demon Hunters.

Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on catch-up on BBC iPlayer.

Add Strictly Come Dancing to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

October 19, 2025 0 comments

TV & Streaming

Strictly Come Dancing fans frustrated as judges leave one star “undermarked”

by jummy84 October 18, 2025

written by jummy84

Strictly Come Dancing fans have accused the judges of “undermarking” Karen Carney on tonight’s (Saturday 18th October) episode of the show.

The former footballer opened Week 4 alongside her partner Carlos Gu, with the pair dancing the quickstep to Marvellous by Beverley Knight.

Despite a slight stumble as Karen got up from a lift, the performance received glowing praise from the Strictly judges, which left some fans surprised that it only scored 6, 7, 7 and 7 from the judges – a total of 27 overall.

Motsi Mabuse said in her feedback: “Karen, you were elegant, on rhythm, you were fast. I loved the attack. You look settled now, you have everything really shiny and bright. There was a slip on the dress, I forgive that.”

Shirley Ballas was full of praise well, saying: “This is an improvement from when you did your tango. The tailsuit, the dress, the grooming, it just looks fabulous. Anything with energy, you are outstanding with. Did you have a little slip at the end? Yes. Did you recuperate? Yes.”

Anton Du Beke added: “Really professional, really focussed. A little bit of gapping… but the opening was clean, this energy is great, much clearer in the footwork. Well done.”

Finally, Craig Revel Horwood added: “Slipping happens to the best of us, darling. Recovery is important. Your topline needs to be a little quieter and your feet are slightly sickled but you know what, the Charlestons you do are incredible. I cannot wait to see you do a Charleston.”

After the scores were revealed, viewers took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their frustration, with one fan writing: “Kaz undermarked once again.”

A second fan added: “Kaz and Carlos should’ve scored 8s for that quickstep #strictly.”

Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on catch-up on BBC iPlayer.

Add Strictly Come Dancing to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

October 18, 2025 0 comments

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