Summary

  1. Balvinder's choicepublished at 19:09 GMT 8 November

    After being placed in last week's dance off, Balvinder Sopal is hoping to win over the judges with some surprise moves with a couple's choice routine.

    The Eastenders star and partner Julian Caillon will be dancing 'til the morning with their performance to Ed Sheeran and Arijit Singh's Sapphire.

  2. A sunny performance, but what are the scores?published at 19:08 GMT 8 November

    For La Voix, it's time to get the scores:

    Craig: 6

    Motsi: 8

    Shirley: 7

    Anton: 8

    Total: 29

    She placed third in the leaderboard last year, and she is third again. But with more dances to come, can she maintain her spot?

    Scoreboard reading: 6, 8, 7, 8 and 26.
  3. 'You bring sunshine to the ballroom': La Voix's joyous foxtrotpublished at 19:06 GMT 8 November

    Alijaz and La Voix dancing on Strictly.
    Image caption,

    La Voix and Alijaz - a vision in pastel

    La Voix cuts a confident figure in the Foxtrot with Aljaž. Smooth, steady and classy to the tee - and really, what more can you ask for from a Foxtrot?

    As is tradition with La Voix, she can't help but make a quip - telling Tess it's "nice to see you dressed up for once".

    A really "uplifting" Foxtrot, Anton says, but adds there might have been a "bit too much trot".

    "You bring sunshine to the ballroom," Motsi tells her, but Shirley shares some criticism to keep working on her dancing skills at the halfway point.

    The scores are next.

    La Voix and Alijaz talking to judges.
    Image caption,

    La Voix wasn't overjoyed with being called "flat-footed"

  4. Make your own kind of Foxtrot, La Voixpublished at 18:58 GMT 8 November

    La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec are up next, taking on the Foxtrot to Cass Elliot's Make Your Own Kind of Music.

    They placed joint third with 35 points last week - can they beat that tonight?

  5. Alex gets 30 points from judgespublished at 18:57 GMT 8 November

    The judges have spoken - here are the scores:

    Craig: 7

    Motsi: 8

    Shirley: 7

    Anton: 8

    Total: 30

    A scoreboard reading: 7, 8, 7, 8 and 30.
  6. First time Alex has displayed insecurity, Motsi sayspublished at 18:56 GMT 8 November

    Alex Kingston and Johannes in Paso Doble.
    Image caption,

    Alex said after this week's dance that she wished she could give it another go

    Alex takes on the Paso Doble with Johnnes in full stride.

    Motsi says it's the first time she's seen some "insecurity" from Alex, adding that there is no need for her to have it.

    "You look stunning", she adds.

    Shirley says it lacked a bit of passion, but that she executed her skills well as "one of the best".

    The scores are up next...

  7. Alex set to bring the dramapublished at 18:49 GMT 8 November

    After tackling her first lifts of the series last week in a Hot 'n' Juicy Salsa, actress Alex Kingston is turning her focus on the Paso Doble.

    A dance inspired by the tradition of bullfighting, we can expect a lot of footwork and dramatic arm movement from her and partner Johannes Radebe.

    The pair are dancing to Jamie Texidor's Amparito Roca.

  8. A 10 for Karen!published at 18:49 GMT 8 November

    The scores are in for Karen and Carlos:

    Craig: 8

    Motsi: 10

    Shirley: 8

    Anton: 9

    Total: 35

    She is tied with Lewis at the top of the leaderboard, but they are the only ones to have danced so far.

    A scoreboard that says 8. 10. 8, 9 and 35.
  9. Karen's energy 'contagious' in non-stop Charlestonpublished at 18:47 GMT 8 November

    Karen and Carlos dancing on Strictly, he is on the floor.
    Image caption,

    It's clear the fast-paced dance took it out of Carlos

    It's upside-down for Karen and Carlos's Charleston this week. It's fast-paced, with all limbs on the go - not that you would expect any less from a former Lioness.

    "I'm going to call you Kaz-Daz", Craig says, adding that she is a "right bobby-dazzler".

    Motsi calls their energy "contagious".

    And now, the scores.

  10. A Diana Ross and Aretha Franklin mash-up for Karenpublished at 18:41 GMT 8 November

    Karen and Carlos take to the Ballroom to dance the Charleston to a medley of Upside Down by Diana Ross and Think by Aretha Franklin.

    Last week saw Lewis and Katya get the first perfect 40 score of the series, but Karen Carney and Carlos Gu weren't far behind them with 38.

    Lets see if they can go two better this week.

  11. Scores are in for Lewispublished at 18:41 GMT 8 November

    Now for the all-important scores:

    Craig: 8

    Motsi: 9

    Shirley: 9

    Anton: 9

    Not quite the perfect score they got last week, but not far off!

    Score board saying 8, 9, 9, 9 and 35
  12. 'I like it that': Judges have high praise for Lewis and Katyapublished at 18:37 GMT 8 November

    Lewis Cope and Katya dancing.

    What a start to the show from Lewis and Katya with their Cha Cha. On beat, on rhythm and with plenty of spins!

    "Well yeah baby, I like it like that", Shirley Ballas says. "You did a grand job," she tells the pair.

    Craig Revel Horwood makes special note of Lewis's brilliant hip action.

    Up next, the scores.

    Lewis and Katya stood next to Tess Daly.
  13. Can Lewis bag another top score with his Cha Cha Cha?published at 18:32 GMT 8 November

    Last week's perfect scorers are up first.

    Lewis Cope and Katya Jones are about to perform the Cha Cha Cha to I Like it Like That by Pete Rodriguez.

    Can they match the perfection they showed the judges last week?

  14. Shhh, Strictly's started!published at 18:27 GMT 8 November

    Matt Spivey
    Live editor

    Strictly Come Dancing's famous, and incredibly catchy, opening theme song has just come to an end.

    I can almost hear the "shhh, it's on!" calls coming from living rooms across the country.

    The glitterball has made its appearance on screen and I'm sure all nine couples left in the competition will have their eyes on winning it.

    You'll be able to follow along right here on this page and we'll be providing regular text updates.

    Get comfy and... keeeeep watching.

  15. The dancefloor awaits - here's how to watch the showpublished at 18:15 GMT 8 November

    You've a range of options for watching tonight's show - Watch live above or tune in on BBC One or iPlayer.

    There’s also a signed version available on iPlayer with British Sign Language. Just press the red button or search for Signed: Strictly Come Dancing on BBC iPlayer.

    Audio description and subtitles are also available on BBC One and iPlayer.

    We'll also be bringing you live text updates right here.

  16. Nine couples still vying for the glitterball - who are they?published at 18:09 GMT 8 November

    Amber Davies in a red dress bent backwards with her arm outsretched, Nikita Kuzmin in a black outfit and wolf ears holds her up on a dancefloor with fake trees behind them.Image source, BBC/PA
    Image caption,

    Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin are still battling for the trophy

    Strictly is now in its seventh week, and nine celebrities remain in the competition.

    As they prepare to take to the dancefloor, here's a reminder of who is hoping to two-step their way to victory:

    • Actor and former Love Islander Amber Davies, coupled up with pro Nikita Kuzmin
    • TV star and broadcaster Vicky Pattison is paired up with Kai Widdrington
    • Karen Carney has switched football boots for dancing shoes, she'll be stepping on to the dancefloor with partner Carlos Gu
    Alek Kingston in a red outfit with red high heels and devil horns dancing with Johannes Radebe who is in a red sparkly jumpsuit with a large red hood over his head.Image source, BBC/PA
    Image caption,

    Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe are still making their moves on the dancefloor

    • Award-winning actor Alex Kingston, and her partner Johannes Radebe
    • YouTuber and podcaster George Clarke, with Alexis Warr - one of Strictly's two new pro dancers
    • Olympian and Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is coupled up with Karen Hauer

    Balivinder Sopal is in a balck and purple sparkly dress, behind her is Julian Caillon in a white wrinkled top and jeans.Image source, BBC/PA
    Image caption,

    Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon survived the dance-off last week, and are still fighting to win the glitterball

    • Swapping Albert Square for the dancefloor, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal is dancing with this year's other new pro Julian Caillon
    • Performer, singer and presenter La Voix, and her partner Aljaž Škorjanec
    • Actor Lewis Cope topped the leaderboard last week with partner Katya Jones

    They're all set to perform tonight, and we'll be providing live text updates - stick with us.

  17. Tess and Claudia stepping down - who's rumoured to replace them?published at 17:58 GMT 8 November

    Claudia on the left and Tess on the right. Both wearing black dresses and poppies pinned on the left of their dresses. Claudia has a high-necked and long sleeved dress, while Tess is wearing a sleeveless and strapless dress and a thick black choker. They are standing on the dancefloor

    Strictly Come Dancing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced last month they will be leaving the show at the end of this series.

    Daly has hosted the show since the first series 21 years ago. Winkleman joined in 2014, having hosted Strictly's sister show It Takes Two since 2004.

    We're now at the halfway point of the competition, and as their final ever episode (when this year's winner will take home the Glitterball Trophy) approaches, rumours about their replacements are circulating.

    There's also no hint yet from the BBC as to who might take over from Winkleman and Daly, and it could be several months before replacements are signed up.

    Despite the lack of clues as to who will take on the job, the bookies' favourites include The One Show's Roman Kemp, comedian Alan Carr, and former Strictly winner Stacey Dooley.

    Other names being floated include It Takes Two presenters, singer Fleur East and dancer Janette Manrara, while Labrokes is offering odds on Holly Willoughby as a surprise frontrunner.

  18. The scores on the doors - how last week's leaderboard shaped uppublished at 17:49 GMT 8 November

    A score board which says: Lewis and Katya 40, Karen and Carlos 38, La Voix and Alijaz 35, Alex and Johannes 35, Amber and Nikita 35.
    A score board which says: Vicky and Kai 31, George and Alexis 29, Balvinder and Julian 28, Ellie and Vito 27 and Harry and Karen 26.
  19. The spirit of Halloween week - in picturespublished at 17:45 GMT 8 November

    Lewis Cope being held in the air by Katya Jones, they're both dressed in distressed black denim with white and black halloween make up on. They are on a dancefloor, behind them is a black piano and some stairs.
    Image caption,

    It was an uplifting night all round for Lewis and Katya as they scooped up a perfect score

    La Voix in a red cape, red wig and an outfit covered in hearts looking at the camera. Her arms are raised and holding the arms of Alijaz who is in a black outfit.
    Image caption,

    La Voix and Alijaz barely missed a beat as the Queen of Hearts won over the judges during Halloween Week

    Vito and Ellie hug on the dancefloor, Vito is in a white suit with bunny ears. Ellie is in a white top and black skirt. Stood next to them is Tess Daley with blonde hair and a black sparkly dress.
    Image caption,

    An embrace for Ellie, the judges went Gaga for her performance - but sadly she left the competition

    Vicky Pattison wears a white shredded long dress as she is swooning into Kai Widdrington's arms. He is wearing a black suit. There is smoke around them and lights visible behind them on the dancefloor.
    Image caption,

    Vicky Patti-swoon performed a dazzling American Smooth that made judge Motsi declare: "You are a contender for the final"

  20. Strictly's fright night served up a perfect scarepublished at 17:37 GMT 8 November

    Four judges dressed in Halloween costumes hold up placards with the number 10
    Image caption,

    Lewis and Katya bagged the first perfect score - 40 - of this series with a freestyle performance to Creep by Radiohead

    Halloween Week has become a staple of Strictly Come Dancing - and last week's ghoulish episode didn't disappoint.

    Actor Lewis Cope and his partner Katya Jones scored a full sweep of 10s - the first perfect score of the series.

    Lionness Karen Carney and her partner Carlos Gu pulled an absolute (Peaky) Blinder, trailing close behind Lewis and Katya with a score of 38.

    RuPaul's Drag Race star La Voix described the night as "magical" after a spell-binding performance bagged her and partner Aljaž Škorjanec joint third place on the leaderboard.

    Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey seemed to be in the danger zone as his score of 26 placed him and partner Karen Hauer at the bottom of the pack.

    But, it was Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola who took to the dancefloor for the last time, and what better way to leave the show than performing to Lady Gaga?