Yahoo News Strictly Come Dancing LIVE: Movie week sees Craig Revel-Horwood booed and big first after a week of scandal
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.
Key Points
Nick Knowles is forced to pull out of tonight’s show due to a second injury
Movie Week arrives days after results of Giovanni Pernice investigation are published
Craig Revel Horwood booed by celeb’s husband
Wynne Evans transforms into Mrs Doubtfire
Judge brought to tears by Punam’s history-making routine
Why is Nick Knowles not performing tonight?
13:16 , Annabel Nugent
Nick Knowles has pulled out of Movie Week show after sustaining another injury.
Knowles fell and injured his knee while doing a jump during a dress rehearsal on Friday, 4 October. He is now using crutches to walk and will not perform this weekend.
A spokesperson for Strictly Come Dancing told The Independent: “Unfortunately, Nick Knowles sustained an injury during rehearsals and as a result, will not dance this weekend.”
Who is topping the leaderboard after week two?
13:18 , Annabel Nugent
Hours away from Movie Week, here’s a reminder of how the celebrity contestants fared last Saturday...
Strictly 2024 leaderboard: All of the scores from week two of the competition
What is the line-up for tonight?
13:29 , Annabel Nugent
A beloved staple on Strictly, Movie Week sees the contestants perform to songs from the soundtracks of famous films. Here’s who is performing what tonight...
Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell will Jive to the Wayne’s World theme.
Paul Merson and Karen Hauer will be dancing a Cha Cha Cha to The Magnificent Seven theme.
Wynne Evans and Katya Jones performing a Cha Cha Cha Mrs Doubtfire’s “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag”.
Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones will dance a Samba to “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from The Little Mermaid.
Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał will also Samba to the George of the Jungle theme.
Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe’s will Tango to “One Night Only” from Dreamgirls.
Punam Krishan and Gorka Marquez will perform a Couple’s Choice to “Bole Chudiyan” from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.
Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola will dance a Viennese Waltz to “Hedwig’s Theme” from Harry Potter.
Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu will perform the same style to “If I Can Dream” from the 2022 film Elvis.
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec will do the Rumba to Billie Eillish’s “What Was I Made For?” from Barbie.
Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin will be doing the Paso Doble to “Elevation” from Tomb Raider.
Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas will Quickstep to Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing” from Rocketman.
JB Gill and Amy Dowden will do the American Smooth to “Pure Imagination” from Wonka.
Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk will do the Charleston to “Rain on the Roof” from Paddington 2.
Shirley Ballas teases Strictly Come Dancing ‘cameo’
13:38 , Annabel Nugent
Strictly fans are in for a treat as head judge Shirley Ballas teased her first “cameo” of the season to arrive in tonight’s live show.
She said: “I can tell you that I have a small cameo role and that I am very excited about that. I am very excited about it, I have been in today to rehearse.
“The characters this week are going to be just, I don’t want to tell you them all, but they are really fabulous.”
What will happen to Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk if they don’t perform tonight?
13:42 , Annabel Nugent
Knowles has confirmed he will not be performing on tonight’s episode due to an injury that has left him on crutches. As is customary, the pair will proceed to the next round of Strictly – although his future on the show appears uncertain.
ICYMI: Oti Mabuse reveals how Strictly took a toll on her marriage
14:00 , Annabel Nugent
The 34-year-old two-time Strictly champion and Dancing on Ice judge, has revealed how she became emotionally detached from her husband, Marius Lepure, 41, when she joined the dancing competition in 2014 and became fixated on winning the glitterball trophy.
Ex-Strictly pro Oti Mabuse reveals how series affected her marriage
What were the results of the investigation into Giovanni Pernice?
14:30 , Annabel Nugent
Tonight’s episode arrives in the wake of the BBC’s investigation into the conduct of Giovanni Pernice, which cleared the dancer of the more serious allegations against him.
Amanda Abbington’s complaints of verbal bullying and harassment, however, were upheld. The broadcaster issued an apology to the actor following the outcome.
What have the judges said about the results of the investigation into Giovanni Pernice?
15:00 , Annabel Nugent
Commenting on the news at an event at Henley Literary Festival on Tuesday (1 October), head judge Shirley Ballas said: “I don’t condone bullying. I’ve been through it myself.
“So if things aren’t right or need addressing, I feel for the person that wants them addressed. And I think that’s a big, important part that everybody gets to say their thing. But now the investigation is over and everybody can move on.
“The eight years I’ve been on the show, it’s been great safeguarding. I’ve always felt taken care of when the bullying got really bad.”
Ballas was previously one of the most prominent figures to defend Pernice during the controversy, calling him a “perfect gentleman”.
What have the judges said about the results of the investigation into Giovanni Pernice?
15:20 , Annabel Nugent
Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood admitted a “weight has been lifted” following the BBC’s findings into the behaviour of professional dancer Giovanni Pernice.
Appearing on ITV’s Lorraine show on Friday, the Strictly judge said: “There is a difference. It’s like a weight has been lifted off our shoulders because it was always hanging in the air.”
Is there a new Strictly curse?
15:40 , Annabel Nugent
Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal have their work cut out for them tonight after having chosen to dance the Samba to the theme song of George of the Jungle.
The Samba hasn’t worked out so well for previous contestants, with the tricky dance style responsible for the most celebrity exits on the programme’s history. A total of 22 per cent of all eminated stars have danced the Samba.
Can Pete and Jowita break the curse?
Toyah Willcox is determined to ‘prove the doubters wrong'
16:00 , Annabel Nugent
After coming out on top in a dance-off against Tom Dean, Wilcox told The Sun that “everyone was completely shocked” by her win.
“They look at a tiny little 66-year-old who is either the same age as their mother or their granny - I fully understand that to young people I’m incredibly old, but I don’t behave like that,” she said.
“I also like that some younger people might not know who I am, because they might not know how strong I am.”
Professional dancers go bananas!
16:20 , Annabel Nugent
In addition to our remaining couples, the show’s professional dancers will be performing a Minions-themed routine, choreographed by Lizzie Gough and Kieran Donovan.
Check out a sneak peek of what’s to come...
Strictly Come Dancing to make history with brand new dance genre on Saturday
17:00 , Annabel Nugent
TV medic Dr Punam Krishan, who is partnered with Gorka Márquez, teased the performance on Thursday’s episode of spin-off show It Takes Two.
The pair will be performing a traditional Bollywood dance for Movie Week, in a nod to Dr Krishan’s South Asian heritage.
“What we’re doing, is for the first time, it’s never been done before,” Marquez had hinted during last week’s results show.
Strictly Come Dancing set to make history on Saturday
Claudia Winkleman shares special gift from Vito Coppola
17:20 , Annabel Nugent
Hours ahead of tonight’s broadcast, co-host Claudia Winkleman shared an Instagram story thanking professional dancer Vito Coppola for a delicious gift
“WE LOVE YOU @VitoCoppola,” wrote Winkleman, alongside a photograph of a package of food labelled: “PARMAGIANA FROM VITO.”
Grab your popcorn!
17:40 , Annabel Nugent
It’s less than one hour until Movie Week kicks off on Strictly Come Dancing... here’s some behind-the-scenes action to set the mood.
ICYMI: here are all the stars competing on this season
18:00 , Annabel Nugent
Strictly Come Dancing 2024 couples – full list of celebrities and their partners
Five minutes to go!
18:10 , Annabel Nugent
Here’s a reminder of what dances we’ll be seeing tonight as our celebrity contestants channel their favourite Hollywood stars...
Strictly Come Dancing reveals songs for movie week
Movie Week has begun!
18:28 , Rachel McGrath
And we’re off!
We should have 14 couples dancing this evening but we’ll be one short as Nick Knowles had suffered an(other) injury. As per the Strictly rules, he has received a bye - each couple is allowed one per series - and will return to the ballroom next week.
Tonight’s episode will see the celebrities transform iconic characters - think Lara Croft, Willy Wonka and George of the Jungle - so there’s a strong chance we’ll see a truly memorable performance or two, whether that’s for good or bad reasons.
And it’s early in the competition but week three has previously delivered a 10. Could one of the celebrities manage it tonight? And by ‘one of’, I mean Tasha.
A reminder on how to vote
18:36 , Rachel McGrath
If you’re watching Strictly with me, then you’ll have no problem seeing the (many) reminders that voting opens once all the couples have danced.
But if you’re checking the blog while away from the TV then fear not - I’ll let you know when the lines open.
As usual, you can vote three times via the BBC’s Strictly website (splitting your votes between different couples, or giving them all to one pair), or via a phone call or text. The numbers will be given out when the vote is open so stay tuned.
Our first glimpse at the costumes
18:39 , Rachel McGrath
Nothing says Movie Week quite like a remarkable transformation - and the celebs’ entrances gave us our first look at this year’s efforts.
I’m already loving Dianne Buswell and Chris McCausland’s Wayne’s World get-ups.
They get a solid 10 from me.
Montell brings the fire
18:46 , Rachel McGrath
Opening the show is always nerve-wracking but Montell - AKA Fire from ITV’s Gladiators reboot - made that look reasonably easy with her Dreamgirls-themed Tango.
And to top it off, Craig has agreed with Anton during the judges’ comments. I don’t have the stats on this to hand but that feels like a Strictly first.
Scores-wise, Montell has landed a total of 28 with every judge giving a 7. A solid start!
Toyah’s up next
18:48 , Rachel McGrath
Toyah has a lot to prove tonight. Last week, she finished bottom of the combined leaderboard with a score of 30 and just about kept her place in the competition after controversially winning the dance off in Sunday’s show.
And now she has to perform a Samba, one of the toughest dance styles to master. It’s unfortunate timing, to say the least.
This isn’t the first time Movie Week has featured a The Little Mermaid-themed performance, either — though the lovely Scott Mills’ “Under The Sea” Samba fell into the ‘Memorable for the wrong reasons’ category. Fingers crossed Toyah does better…
Craig gets booed!
18:55 , Rachel McGrath
Toyah’s routine won praise from Anton and Shirley, who said the star was “powerful and in control”, but Craig wasn’t quite so kind.
As he labelled her routine “stuck in the mud” and “flat-footed”, things took a Pantomime-esque turn as Toyah’s husband stood and booed Strictly’s resident meanie! What a guy.
Toyah’s scores are in...
18:56 , Rachel McGrath
Her husband won’t be pleased. She’s landed a total of 15 points, with 4 each from Shirley, Anton and Motsi... and a 3 from Craig. Ouch.
Chris and Dianne dance the Jive
18:59 , Rachel McGrath
Never mind Wayne — it’s Chris McCausland’s world and we should all feel grateful to be living in it.
Chris’s scores are in...
19:05 , Rachel McGrath
Was Chris… speechless? The comedian was left stunned as Craig heaped praise on his routine.
“It was full of fantastic rhythm, those toe-heel swivels were excellent,” Craig, who is dressed as Captain Jack of course, said. “You can dance.”
Chris replied: “I was trying to think of something to say to have a go at you but I don’t have, do I?”
And the scores reflected the praise. He received a 7, 7, 8 and 8, giving him a total of 30.
Tasha wins praise from the judges
19:13 , Rachel McGrath
And it’s yet another stunning dance from Tasha! The Rumba is a Strictly dance that’s notoriously difficult but having topped the leaderboard last week with a combined week one and two score of 65, the Love Island star was more than ready with hers to “What Was I Made For?” from the Barbie soundtrack.
And the judges loved it too. “Absolutely exquisite,” declared Craig.
Shirley, herself the Queen of Samba, then heaped sky high praise by saying some competitors at the world championships she judged earlier this week (clunk) weren’t as good as Tasha. Sorry to them, but well done Tasha!
Tasha’s scores are in...
19:14 , Rachel McGrath
She’s not quite landed the first 10 of the series, but did land 8s from Craig and Motsi, and 9s from Shirley and Anton. Bravo!
Paul’s ready to ride
19:22 , Rachel McGrath
He may not score highly but we all love him anyway.
Paul vowed to have fun with his Cha Cha to The Magnificent Seven Theme and he did!
Paul’s scores are in...
19:24 , Rachel McGrath
And it’s his highest total of the series so far!
With a 3 from Craig, 5s from Motsi and Shirley and a 6 from Anton, he has a total of 19.
A Maggie Smith tribute
19:33 , Rachel McGrath
Sarah and Vito have danced a Harry Potter-themed Viennese Waltz in tribute to the late Dame Maggie Smith.
Sarah transformed into the iconic Professor McGonagall for the number and won high praise - with Motsi especially impressed as she labelled the routine the “highlight of the night so far”.
“That was nostalgic, you captured the atmosphere,” she told her. “You’re so hard on yourself and you don’t need to be. You’re a brilliant dancer.”
“I’ve been a huge admirer of Dame Maggie Smith and it was a huge honour to do that,” Sarah said after in the Clauditorium (years have passed since the studio’s mezzanine level was given this name and I’m still impressed).
Sarah’s scores are in...
19:34 , Rachel McGrath
She’s landed a total of 33 with (going in order of the judging panel) an 8, 9, 8 and an 8.
Pete Wicks as George of the Jungle
19:38 , Rachel McGrath
That’s it. That’s the post. Pete Wicks is George of the Jungle and... well. Wow. There’s a lot going on.
“I’ll lose a lot of things this week, dignity included,” he said in the VT. And then...
Pete’s scores are in...
19:43 , Rachel McGrath
And it’s his higest for the series so far!
Pete was given two 6s and a 7, giving him a total of 26 - four points higher than last week.
The judges were suitably stunned as they gave their comments.
“We asked you to loosen up, so I blame us,” Motsi laughed, as they tried to make sense of what they’d seen (which, for the record, I enjoyed a lot).
“I love that you don’t take yourself too seriously but you take the dance seriously,” said Shirley. “You attempted to do a slow, quick, quick but got slightly off... I’m going to overlook that because you really attempted to do something out of the ordinary.
“I really have to commend you. It’s great to see you improving. Be proud of yourself, Sir.”
Even Craig, still recovering from the gyrations in his face, conceded: “I think this is your personal best.”
JB transforms into Wonka
19:47 , Rachel McGrath
That was a lovely American Smooth, and I wouldn’t expect anything less from JB and Amy. They looked suitably chuffed after the dance too.
JB’s scores are in...
19:50 , Rachel McGrath
And he’s also landed his highest score so far with a 32!
Anton gave JB a 9, while Shirley and Motsi reached for their 8 paddles and Craig plumped for 7.
Lara Croft’s arrived
19:55 , Rachel McGrath
A Paso Doble early in the series is always a big ask and it’s fair to say Sam seems a little out of her comfort zone with this Tomb Raider routine.
She certainly looks the part in her Tomb Raider get-up though, and she was lowered onto the dance floor via a rope, which has to be worth a bonus point, right?
A closer look at Chris’s jive
19:57 , Rachel McGrath
Let’s have a look at one of the dances of the evening so far - Chris’s Jive. This was a total joy!
Sam’s scores are in...
19:58 , Rachel McGrath
And they’re actually pretty good!
While the judges picked out a few issues with Sam’s Paso, she’s scored a total of 30, thanks to two 8s and two 7s.
Recap: Tasha and Aljaz
19:59 , Rachel McGrath
And here’s Tasha’s beautiful Rumba. It’s no easy feat to pull off a Rumba full stop, let alone one this good in week three.
Shayne Ward’s Elvis performance
20:03 , Rachel McGrath
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?
20:06 , Rachel McGrath
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
Shayne’s scores are in...
20:07 , Rachel McGrath
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?
20:11 , Rachel McGrath
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...
20:16 , Rachel McGrath
He’s scored a very respectable 30, putting him firmly in the upper end of the table.
Punam’s making history
20:17 , Rachel McGrath1
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
Punam leaves Motsi in tears
20:28 , Rachel McGrath1
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...
20:29 , Rachel McGrath
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
20:31 , Rachel McGrath1
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!
Jamie’s scores are in...
20:33 , Rachel McGrath
He’s finished with his highest score of the series, a well-earned 30.
And the vote is open!
20:35 , Rachel McGrath
I promised I’d let you know when to vote so - go, go, go.
The lines are now open and you can also vote on the Strictly website. It’s worth moving quickly as you don’t have long. - voting closes at 9.05pm.
That’s a wrap!
20:47 , Rachel McGrath
What a night, eh? From jaw-dropping transformations to a history-making routine and, of course, Craig getting booed, Movie Week has truly delivered.
I’ll be back next Saturday when Nick Knowles hopefully returns to the floor, meaning we’ll once again have 13 couples dancing. See you then.
