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Amber and Nikita’s American smooth
Late arrival Amber Davies has hit the ground running and topped the combined scoreboard last week, which made the perfect birthday present. Pro partner Nikita Kuzmin has choreographed a packed foxtrot-style routine, with park benches and bike-o-graphy. Sweet mood, swinging and swaying. Lots going on and lovely lifts. The judges told Amber to build from the foundations of footwork and I’d say she has. Splendid start to the show.
Song: Sixteen Going on Seventeen from The Sound of Music. The Rodgers and Hammerstein song was memorably spoofed by Dawn and Jennifer as “I am French/And you are Saunders”.
Cynthia will be commenting but not scoring. Shame or wise? I err towards the latter.
Our Strictly stars™
Our couples come out for welcome waves and it’s a fancy dress frenzy. Lion King African prints! Pigeons on hats! Mullet wigs and massive Thor mallets! Preposterous Thunderbirds costumes are go!
Judges get a plus-one
Here come our paddle-raising panel of Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas. They’re in best black tie for the occasion. Motsi looking fabulous. Their ranks are swelled by, you guessed it, Cynthia Erivo, who gets the middle chair.
Cynthia Erivo introduced
They sure are holding a lot of space for her tonight. Donny Osmond and Carlton from The Fresh Prince didn’t get this treatment.
Frockwatch
Here come our Hollywood hosts, so time for the weekly couture clash. Tess Daly is pink tassels. Claudia Winkleman is in a chic black V-neck number. Claudia wins.
More suited to Halloween Week, arguably. A tale of broomstick-riding, pointy-hatted, green-faced forbidden love with all the pros getting to play both roles. Lovely storytelling and a big spinning lift sequence to finish.
The pros cast a spell
Something wicked this way comes. We open with the professional dancers performing the first of two filmic group numbers this weekend. This one, choreographed by Jason Gilkison, is based on upcoming fantasy film Wicked For Good – sequel to one of the highest grossing movie musicals of all time and starring, of course, a certain Cynthia Erivo.
That VT introducing Cynthia Erivo felt “a bit ITV”, didn’t it?
Cue clapalong titles
Wave goodbye to Thomas Skinner, who has already wheeled his suitcase towards the Strictly taxi of doom, the same journey he made on BBC stablemate The Apprentice. Ta-ta, Tommy Bosh.
And we’re off!
Roll the traditional movie-themed VT. Black and white this year. Classy.
Buckle up, Barry Norman. We’re about to go over live to Elstree Studios…
Amanda Holden-hosted quiz The Celebrity Inner Circle wrapping up on BBC1 now. Noboy understands the rules, probably including Amanda Holden. Mere minutes to wait now…
On your filmic dance cards
Tonight’s 13 routines include the first rumba and Couple’s Choice of the series. Bullfighting fans will also see not one but three paso dobles.
A mere 10 minutes until the glitterball starts spinning…
Ross King tipped for exit (again)
Dear old Ross King is bookies’ strong favourite for the second elimination, priced at evens to depart the contest this weekend. However, he dodged the dance-off entirely last week so it’s all to play for.
Chris Robshaw is favourite to face him in the dance-off, followed by La Voix. Just 14 minutes until that ba-ba-da theme tune…
Let’s play Movie Week bingo
Tick them off when you spot them! Take a drink for each! Default on your mortgage and end up sleeping in the Jag! Here’s your 10-point spotter’s checklist for Movie Week:
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Cynthia Erivo scores on the generous side but not “Donny Osmond levels”
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Misuse of the word “iconic”
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Rumba is described as “notoriously tricky for male celebrities”
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A celebrity unconvincingly claims that they’re paying tribute to their all-time favourite film. (Miss Congeniality? Really?)
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Tess says “They’re on their feet!” or “Your little face!”
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Anton Du Beke harks back to his own Movie Week routines of yore
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Film-themed VT with Craig playing the villain
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You get confused and think Claudia is about to host a Round Table in the Scottish Highlands
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Judges have no clue how to mark Couple’s Choice so dish out random high scores
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Widespread “Awws!” and “Get well soons” sent to Stefan Dennis
Show has been shortened
Stefan’s absence means the BBC has taken the unusual step of reducing the show’s running time tonight. It will be 10 minutes shorter than advertised, finishing at 8.30pm, rather than 8.40pm. What will we all do with those extra 10 minutes? Use them wisely, ballroom fans.
It’s 25 minutes until the glittery curtain comes up….
Stefan Dennis throws a sickie
Don’t worry, there hasn’t been an emergency at Lassiters. Fear not, Bouncer is OK. It was announced yesterday that Neighbours star Stefan Dennis will not be taking part in tonight’s show due to illness. In line with Strictly rules, Dennis and pro partner Dianne Buswell will receive a bye through to next week, when it’s hoped the actor will be well enough to perform.
Less than half an hour until choreographic kick-off…
Saturday night at the movies
Lights, camera, dancing action! Good evening and welcome to Movie Week madness. I’m Michael, your torch-wielding, ice cream-selling for tonight’s Strictly Come Dancing live show. You are cordially invited to watch along with me as the red carpet is rolled out for the first themed weekend of 2025.
After last week’s first elimination – you’re fired, Thomas Skinner – tonight our 14 surviving pro-celebrity pairs take to the Elstree Studios ballroom floor once again. Or at least, 13 of them do. More on that in a moment. They’ll be performing routines inspired by Hollywood films, so expect a feast of fancy dress and props. Oscar-nominated Hollywood star Cynthia Erivo is on hand as guest judge and mentor to help them deliver blockbuster performances.
On Sunday night, the credits will roll on one couple’s competition. No more of this “scores carried forward from last week” business. Tonight’s judges’ totals will be combined with the public vote, then the bottom two couples will dance for survival. But whose routine will be a box office smash? And which flop will go straight to DVD??
The clapperboard comes down at 6.05pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 5.35pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and snark from the cheap seats. So stock up on popcorn, bucket-sized drinks and exorbitant pick ’n’ mix and I’ll see you on the front row of the cinema.
As always, I’d love to hear from you too. You can tweet me @michaelhogan, contact me on Bluesky or Threads @michaelhogan100, email me [email protected] and the comments section below is open for your Movie Week messages. As usual, I’ll flick, kick and fleckerl down there every now and again to gauge your reaction to the show. Please don’t be shy about sharing your thoughts.
Are you ready for your Movie Week close-up? Nearly time to staaaaaart cinematic dancing!
