Strictly Come Dancing is back for its fourth week, as the 13 remaining celebrities take to the dancefloor to make it to next week’s competition. Tomorrow, one couple will become the third pairing to be sent home.
Tonight, there will be two Couples Choice routines and the first Argentine Tango of the series. Last week’s top of the leaderboard stars Lewis and Katya will be hoping to impress once again alongside Amber, who also finished high up the leaderboard. So far, we’ve waved goodbye to Thomas Skinner and Ross King, who exited in week two and week three, respectively, and all the celebrities are hoping they won’t become unlucky number three. Stefan Dennis is also making his return to the dancefloor after he was given a bye last week when he fell ill.
Follow along, as The Mirror gives you all the updates from the dancefloor, as the 13 celebrities fight to make it through to Icons week next week – and then onto Halloween…
Vito praised for adorable Ellie moment
Ellie and Vito’s routine is all people are talking about on Twitter – with Vito praised for how he lets Ellie shine.
“can we please just have a moment for vito. this man, his choreography and how he allows ellie to absolutely shine in every single dance is so pure and so beautiful. you can tell vito wants the best for her and wants her to feel proud of herself everytime they dance #strictly,” one fan wrote.
Another added: “Vito has been my favourite professional since he started. I’m in absolute bits tonight. He’s just wonderful, and Ellie and he opened the floodgates I needed in the best.”
KEY EVENT
Ellie hugs parents in emotional moment
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as Ellie closed the show with her incredible routine.
Ellie hugged her parents after her incredible routine (
Image:
Strictly Come Dancing/BBC)
The model performed a stunning routine to Golden, which Motsi described as “strong and powerful”. She said: “I know so many young girls out there… are going to want to be out there on stage like you.”
Even Craig described it as a “display in self-expression”. 31 points for Ellie!
KEY EVENT
Shirley in show first!
Shirley completed a show first when she stood up from her table and made her way to speak to Alex, who impressed with her beautiful Rumba.
It earned a 10 from Shirley, who said she was nearly in tears as she praised Alex’s incredible routine. Anton also stepped out of his chair, offering a handshake to Alex before heaping praise on her.
Jasmine Allday
Claudia’s Coldplay dig
In reference to the now-viral moment, which saw two co-workers hide from the ‘kiss-cam’ after their ‘affair’ was rumbled, host Claudia and musical director Dave Arch joked about as the song ‘Yellow’ played.
Claudia and Dave recreated the viral moment! (
Image:
Strictly Come Dancing/BBC)
Jasmine Allday
La Voix consoled after tricky performance
La Voix was supported by their fellow celebrities after a tricky performance.
The drag artist struggled during their boxing-inspired routine to Hit Me With Your Best Shot.
Unfortunately for La Voix, they received a low score for their efforts including a two from Craig.
Jasmine Allday
Our first couples choice of the evening!
Jimmy brought his Caribbean heritage to the dancefloor today with a soca inspired medley.
The judges loved his routine, which got them eights from both Motsi and Anton!
Jasmine Allday
Lewis and Katya’s romantic routine
Following the top of their leaderboard last year, Lewis and Katya impressed again with their incredible routine.
Lewis and Katya impressed with their routine (
Image:
Strictly Come Dancing/BBC)
This week, Lewis secured a whopping 34 points out of 40 for their routine!
Jasmine Allday
Stefan and Dianne return
Stefan impressed with his Charleston, with Shirley saying that Stefan had come “back with a bang”.
Thrilled to be back on the dancefloor, an excited Dianne told her: “I told you you could do it!”
Stefan scored a total of 26 points including sevens from Motsi, Shirley and Anton.
KEY EVENT
Fans puzzled over ‘missing’ week
Fans of the BBC show were left confused over a ‘missing’ week on Strictly – as there was no Halloween week announced.
Instead, there was an announcement from Claudia and Tess that next week would be Icons Week.
One fan penned: “If they’re doing Icons week next week then when is Halloween? #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing,” as another wrote: “Is there no Halloween #strictly this year? The following Saturday is 1 November.”
“So if its Idol week next week Is Halloween Week on the 1st?” a third shared, while a fourth added: “The 1st Nov 🙂 it seems like they’ve swapped the weeks as I’m sure the original plan indicated it was the other way round.”
Jasmine Allday
Vicky and Kai’s Samba
This year’s most (self-confessed) nervous contestant Vicky had one of the hardest dances early on!
“Coordination is getting better,” Shirley said, “You’re going gradual and steady but going forward!” Anton said the samba makes him feel sick but he was impressed with the choreography.
He said: “This a combination of everything coming together at the right time.”
Jasmine Allday
Harry’s racy Rhumba
Harry (also known as Gladiator Nitro) impressed with his Rhumba. Motsi heaped praise on the “chemistry” between the pair, whilst Shirley said the narrative and storyline was there, as she praised the “sensuality”.
“I’m so proud of you and I know how hard you’ve worked,” Karen – his dance partner – told him. Harry received a 6 from Craig and Shirley and a 7 each from Anton and Motsi.
Jasmine Allday
Lionesses in the house!
The Lionesses are in the house, supporting Karen – with fans thrilled to see the trio in the audience.
As Karen chatted with Claudia in the Claudia-torium, fans were pleased to see the stars of England’s women’s team in the audience.
One wrote: “HELLO??? love to see some lionesses on #strictly,” whilst another added: “Lionesses in the audience lets gooooo #strictly.” A third penned: “Lionesses in the studio! #Strictly.”
Jasmine Allday
Karen kicks off week four!
Karen Carney has become one to watch this series – and she proved that further with her Quickstep. The footballer has been impressing the judges and the viewers at home alongside her professional dance partner Carlos Gu.
Host Tess Daly even quipped that Karen wasn’t out of breath after her routine, whilst Motsi described her as more “settled” now on the dancefloor. “There was a slip on the dress, I forgive that,” she added.
Jasmine Allday
Stefan returns!
Stefan looked the picture of health as he made his first appearance on the dancefloor with Dianne following his bye last week.
The Neighbours star received the loudest cheer of the evening as he arrived back on the dancefloor, where he will perform a Charleston to Dance Monkey.
Stefan will be hoping to make it through this week!
Jasmine Allday
Week four kicks off!
Here we go! Strictly is back for its fourth week – and we’ve been promised some incredible routines!
Tess and Claudia look radiant in white, whilst Anton Due Beke has kept up the theme in a white suit. Shirley Ballas wears a stunning maroon gown and Motsi dresses in a hot pink ballgown. Craig completes the line-up with a smart suit.
Jasmine Allday
Amber ignores backlash
Stage performer Amber Davies has insisted she won’t look at the backlash to her dance and acting past – and deliberately ignores any messages or comments about her time on the show.
“A lot of people have asked me how I am dealing with the backlash, but, honestly, I refuse to read any comments online. I am not going there,” she told The Sun.
Amber has impressed on the show so far (
Image:
Guy Levy/BBC/PA)
“In the past I have gone looking for it and it just makes me feel like crap, so this time around I have to be really mentally strong, but I am putting myself in the Strictly bubble.
“I do my rehearsals and go home, I don’t read or check anything. Because the only thing it’s going to do is knock my confidence. I didn’t want this to be a negative experience, so I told myself, ‘I have to block it out, I really do.’”
Jasmine Allday
One star dealt blow
As the live show is set to start in a matter of minutes, one celebrity has been dealt a cruel blow.
Chris Robshaw is favourite to be out of the BBC dance competition this week, with odds of his departure at 4/7. Stefan Dennis is at 3/1 to leave after skipping last week when falling ill.
EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal is also at risk, with odds of 5/1. At the other end of the betting odds, content creator George Clarke is favourite to win at 5/4.
KEY EVENT
This week’s dances
13 celebrities remain in the competition and they will be performing a string of dances to earn their place in next week’s competition.
There are two Couples Choices this week – from Ellie and Vito and Jimmy and Lauren – and it will also be the first Argentine Tango of the series too.
Ellie and Vito – Couples Choice to “Golden” by HUNTR/X.
Stefan and Dianne – Charleston to “Dance Monkey” by Tones and I.
Karen and Carlos – Quickstep to “Marvellous Party” by Beverley Knight.
Alex and Johannes – Rumba to “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman.
La Voix and Aljaž – Cha Cha Cha to “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar.
Amber and Nikita – Argentine Tango to “Angel of My Dreams” by JADE.
Balvinder and Julian – Paso Doble to “Diablo Rojo” by Rodrigo y Gabriela.
Jimmy and Lauren – Couples Choice to a Soca Medley.
Harry and Karen – Rumba to “It Must Have Been Love” by Roxette.
Lewis and Katya – Foxtrot to “L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole.
Chris and Nadiya – Salsa to “Maria” by Ricky Martin.
Vicky and Kai – Samba to “La Isla Bonita” by Madonna.
George and Alexis – Tango to “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay.
Jasmine Allday
Stefan Dennis returns
Stefan and his professional partner Dianne Buswell will make their return to the dancefloor this weekend after missing a week due to illness.
During an appearance on It Takes Two this week, Stefan said: “I had a little bit of a turn, a little bit of an episode of vertigo.
Stefan and Dianne will return to the dancefloor this week (
Image:
BBC)
“It was all ok – made myself alright again with the help of some good people at the hospital. I’ve got to say to everybody out there, thank you for all the lovely well wishes.”
Dianne added: “It was so amazing to watch everyone [during last week’s show] and not have the nerves of Saturday night but I missed Stefan and I couldn’t wait for him to be back with me.”
Jasmine Allday
Last week’s leaderboard
Lewis and Katya found themselves top of the leaderboard last week, with Amber and Nikita following closely behind. Ross King exited the competition last week, with the Good Morning Britain and Lorraine presenter being sent home over Chris and Nadiya.
Ross King waved goodbye to the competition (
Image:
PA)
Speaking about his exit, he said: “I have loved every single minute of it. I would like to say thank you to everyone who has supported us, all the people who voted – they’ve been amazing. I want to thank everyone here in this room, backstage, the judges, the crew – every single person here has made me so, so welcome.
“And, I want to thank a very special lady who has been with me through it all and has been absolutely everything: she’s been a mentor, teacher, carer… I could not have wished for a better partner, and I could not have wished to be on a better show. Thank you judges for all your remarks.”
