Strictly Come Dancing latest: Pete Wicks leaves viewers in tears as Lauren Oakley replaces Amy Dowden again
Two Couple’s Choice performances and a stunning American Smooth provided three of this week’s most memorable moments
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Strictly Come Dancing was back on BBC One for week eight, but professional dancer Amy Dowden will not be returning for the remainder of the series.
Dowden, who was partnered with JLS singer JB Gill, was replaced by Lauren Oakley, after the former was rushed to hospital, having fallen ill during a live show. The Welsh dancer, 34, had returned to competing in the BBC show for its 20th anniversary series following cancer treatment.
Dowden clarified that her “insufficiency stress fracture” had “nothing to do with any previous health scares”.
The action-packed episode saw the nine remaining celebrities fighting not just for their place in the compeititon, but to dance in the Blackpool Tower ballroom as next week’s live episode takes place in the iconic venue.
Plenty of the stars upped their game, including Pete Wicks — who landed his highest score yet (and left one of the judges choking back tears) with a Couple’s Choice routine dedicated to his late grandmother.
Earlier this week, the series has been plagued by rumours that fan-favourite Johannes Radebe is set to quit, after several outlets reported that his schedule for 2025 would mean he would be too busy to participate.
He is billed to star in Kinky Boots: The Musical for the first half of the year while he works on a film adaptation of his life story. Radebe hit back at the claims, writing “I’m not going anywhere!” in a post on Instagram.
Last week, Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin were eliminated as they lost out to Radebe and Montell Douglas after placing in the bottom two following a public vote.
Tasha opens the show
Tasha’s Couple’s Choice was absolutely beautiful. I really thought she was going to land the first 40 of the series but Craig wasn’t feeling like reaching the 10 paddle.
Tasha had been dreading the Quickstep but it suits her. And this routine has a lot of quickstepping in it which is sure to please the judges. I’m out of breath just from watching it.
Judges disagree over Tasha’s dance
Ooo, we’ve got our first disagreement from the judges of the evening.
“You got all your steps in for the day,” said Anton before Craig claimed the routine was “a little bit safe”.
Motsi didn’t think so though, and countered that it had “everything”.
“That was full on dancing,” said Shirley. “You offered everything we need to see in a Quickstep. That’s the kind of performance that gets you to the one and only Blackpool ballroom.”
Tasha’s scores are in...
She’s landed an 8 from Craig, 10s from Motsi and Shirley, and a 9 from Anton, for a total of 37. A very strong start.
Shayne’s up next
You know what? The Rumba has grown on me this year. In the past, I’ve found them a little boring (sorry, Shirley) but the professionals are upped their game with the choreography and storytelling.
Shayne (like most celebs) said in his VT that he’s found the Rumba hard but he looks pretty confident on the dancefloor and Nancy looks beautiful, as always.
Shirley’s verdict on Shayne’s Rumba
Let’s be honest, only one judge’s comments matter on a Rumba: Shirley Ballas’s.
The Queen of the Rumba said: “You had some beatiful sections in the middle. I was a bit conflicted because on certain parts you were ab solutely outstanding, but when you stood still, you didn’t quite that sway.
“What I love is the chermistry between you’re, it’s really developing.”
Shayne’s scores are in...
Two 7s and two 8s give him a total of 30.
Sarah’s sentimental song choice
This is an inspired song choice that will no doubt bring joy to Miranda fans as in the sitcom, Sarah’s character Stevie uses a cardboard cutout of Heather Small and sings “Proud” to motivate her pal.
I very much enjoyed Sarah showing Miranda to her Italian partner, Vito (who presumably has absolutely no idea what it is).
Those lifts!
Sarah and Vito are so beautiful to watch, and goodness — those lifts. Absolutely stunning and very nerve-wracking to watch. Sarah clearly loves this routine so much, she’s absolutely beaming.
The judges are (mostly) loving Sarah’s performance
“Your hands were bothering me,” said Craig, before cheering up a little and adding: “You are extremely talented. The cartwheel into that lift was spectacular.”
“There’s lifts and then there’s what you guys did,” said Motsi. “You’ve been so consistent.”
Shirley’s feeling picky though. “I’m a little conflicted on this, the timing is very good, the execution was very good but I saw issues with gaping when you came together. I still want neater smaller details because you are so good.” She’s asking for more chemistry between them on the dancefloor too. “You’re on the right track, you’re doing amazing but give me a few more details.”
Anton has soome constructive feedback too, asking Sarah to work on her upper body.
Can you tell it’s Blackpool next week? The judges are being very, very picky.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments