Get ready for a spine-chilling spectacle as Strictly Come Dancing’s Halloween Week kicks off, but here’s the twist: the real drama isn’t just on the dance floor. Who will replace the iconic Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman? That’s the question on everyone’s lips after their shocking announcement last week. But first, let’s dive into the glittering chaos of tonight’s show, where the competition is heating up faster than a witch’s cauldron.
After last week’s Icons Week, which saw Emmerdale’s Lewis Cope soar to the top and former Chelsea star Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink bid farewell, the remaining 10 couples are now halfway through their Strictly journey. The final? Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 20. But before we get there, it’s time for the annual Halloween Week, where the stars and their pro partners transform into ghouls, ghosts, and everything in between. Think Charli XCX, Lady Gaga, and Benson Boone—but with a haunting twist.
And this is the part most people miss: the judges aren’t just sitting pretty. Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke are fully embracing the spooky season with costumes so elaborate, they’d make a Halloween superstore jealous.
Now, let’s talk controversy. Who should take over as Strictly’s new presenters? Kevin Clifton thinks his girlfriend, Stacey Dooley, would be “amazing,” but is she the right fit? Or should the show go in a completely different direction? Let’s just say, opinions are as divided as a judge’s scoreboard.
Moving on to tonight’s performances, George is bouncing back after a disappointing Icons Week, where his tribute to Harry Styles landed him at the bottom of the leaderboard. Tonight, he and Alexis are channeling a huntsman and evil queen vibe for their cha cha to Charli XCX’s “Apple.” Bold lifts, sharp moves, and even a nod to the BRAT tour—George is here to prove he’s not going down without a fight.
Ellie, on the other hand, looks like she’s had a run-in with a ghost after the judges’ critiques. Motsi called her a “fighter,” Shirley praised her musicality, and Anton loved her timing—but Craig? He’s still craving more technique. Her tango to Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” was a serious departure from her usual bubbly self, but did it pay off? Her scores of 6, 7, 7, and 7 suggest she’s still in the game, but barely.
Vicky, however, is on fire. Opening the show with an American Smooth to Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” she’s proving she’s a contender for the final, as Motsi boldly declared. Lifts, spins, and seamless transitions—Vicky is the full package. Her scores of 7, 8, 8, and 8 speak for themselves.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Vicky being underscored? Some fans think she deserves higher marks, while others argue she’s peaking too early. What do you think?
As the night unfolds, we’ve got everything from a salsa to Mousse T’s “Horny” to a Paso Doble to Beethoven’s 5th. And let’s not forget the costumes—from rabbits to magicians, this is Halloween done the Strictly way.
So, as we watch these stars battle it out on the dance floor, let’s not forget the bigger question looming in the background: Who will step into Tess and Claudia’s shoes? And more importantly, will they be able to fill those glittery heels?
What’s your take? Who should host Strictly next? And which couple do you think will survive this spooky showdown? Let’s debate in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
