Strictly Come Dancing LIVE: Movie week sees Craig Revel-Horwood booed and big first after a week of scandal
The BBC show’s annual Movie Week delivered tears, boos and a Strictly first
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.That’s a wrap! Movie Week on Strictly Come Dancing is done and dusted for another year.
Week three of the BBC’s dancing competition saw the remaining contestants perform to some very recognisable tunes - and there was a Strictly first as Punam Krishan made history with her Bollywood routine.
Elsewhere, Toyah Wilcox’s husband brought a touch of Pantomime to show as he booed Craig Revel Horwood’s critique of his wife’s Samba.
The stars performed numbers to the soundtrack of films including Paddington, Wonka, and Mrs Doubtfire, with Wynne Evans transforming into the titular character for his Cha Cha.
Movie Week arrived after the first elimination of the season, which saw Olympic champion Tom Dean booted from the series and sadly, another of this year’s celebrities was also missing.
DIY SOS star Nick Knowles has had to pull out of this week’s competition after sustaining another injury. As per the competition’s rules, he and Luba Musthuk will receive a bye through to next week.
Having topped the leaderboard last week, Love Island star Tasha Ghouri and professional Aljaž Škorjanec did so again with their Rumba to Billie Eillish’s “What Was I Made For?” from Barbie.
Tonight’s episode also came days after the BBC published its findings of an investigation into accusations against Gionvanni Pernice of abusive behaviour.
The broadcaster cleared Pernice of some of the most serious allegations levelled against him, while also issuing an apology to actor Amanda Abbington who filed a complaint against Pernice.
Shayne Ward’s Elvis performance
Shayne has had a tough time of it off the dance floor and last week admitted he found it impossible to ignore negative social media comments.
But when he manages to ignore the noise — which can be incredibly difficult — and steps onto the floor with Nancy, it soon becomes clear Shayne could be one to watch in the competition.
And he’s impressed again as Austin Butler as Elvis. Though I’m personally disappointed he hasn’t also got an Elvis voice fourteen octaves deeper than his usual one. Minus one for that, I think.
Shall we talk about the opening number?
If you’re not emotionally scarred by tonight’s opening number then allow me to remind you: it was Minions-themed and Kai was wearing a bald cap better than some I’ve seen in actual movies.
The routine has proved divisive though...
Strictly Come Dancing viewers divided by ‘cringe’ Minions opening number
‘This is the worst thing I’ve ever seen in my life’ wrote one viewer
Shayne’s scores are in...
And he’s in joint second place in the leaderboard with Sarah, just behind Tasha.
Shayne scored a total of 33, with 8s across the board and a 9 from Motsi.
The best transformation of the night?
I am, of course, talking about Wynne Evans as Mrs Doubtfire. This is what Movie Week is all about. And the routine isn’t bad at all either.
“Just before you say anything, these are all my own chins,” he quipped to the judges.
Wynne’s scores are in...
He’s scored a very respectable 30, putting him firmly in the upper end of the table.
Punam’s making history
Punam’s place in the competition looked far from safe last week, when she ended up third from bottom on the leaderboard, so there’s certainly room for improvement.
Quite frankly, there could be no better time for her to be performing a Couple’s Choice — and one that’s making history no less, as Punam and Gorka are doing a traditional Bollywood dance to “Bole Chudiyan” from the 2001 film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Bravo!
Here’s some more info on their dance...
Strictly Come Dancing set to make history on Saturday
‘It’ll be special’ promised the celebrity contestant
Punam leaves Motsi in tears
Motsi was in tears as she praised Punam for her history-making dance, while I also had a small, cry at home.
“That really moved me,” Motsi said. “I know so many people are watching you right now and feel so pleased to watch this on Strictly Come Dancing.
“Just watching you… your hair flying, eyes sparkling and doing the whole storytelling. This has been so wonderful to see, [it’s] so wonderful to see you in that way… Brilliant dancing.”
Ah Saturday nights, eh? Genuinely, who needs to go out when you can watch some celebrities dance and cry at it? A top tier evening.
Punam’s scores are in...
She’s totally turned things around after being third from bottom in last week’s leaderboard.
This time around, Punam has scored 33 with 8s across the board and a 9 from Shirley.
What a way to end the show
i’ll be honest, I’m still recovering from Punam’s beautiful routine and the emotional moments after but Jamie - wow!
The EastEnders star had the tough job of closing the show but did so in style with his Rocketman routine.
Hats off to the costume department for this feather bonanza. And the Quickstep was great too!
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments