Quick Read
- Lewis Cope and Katya Jones topped the leaderboard with 34 points for their Quickstep to Johnny Cash’s ‘Ring of Fire’.
- Amber Davies and Vicky Pattison both scored 33 points, impressing judges with tributes to Ariana Grande and Cheryl.
- Surprise celebrity messages from Cheryl and Emma Bunton boosted morale for Vicky Pattison and Ellie Goldstein.
- Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their planned exit as hosts, sparking speculation about future presenters.
- La Voix made a comeback with a Cher-inspired routine and fans called for her to become the next Strictly host.
Icons Week Shines with Star Power and Emotional Farewells
Saturday night’s Strictly Come Dancing delivered its signature blend of glamour, fierce competition, and heartfelt moments. Icons Week saw contestants channeling music legends—from Cher and Johnny Cash to Beyoncé and Harry Styles—each aiming to leave their own mark on the ballroom floor. But as the glitter settled, it was Lewis Cope and his partner Katya Jones who ignited the leaderboard, while the show itself navigated the emotional news of hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announcing their departure after years at the helm.
Lewis Cope and Katya Jones Electrify the Floor
Emmerdale’s Lewis Cope set the tone for the evening, launching Icons Week with a high-octane Quickstep to Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.” Judges were quick to praise the pair’s energy and precision, with Motsi Mabuse lauding them as the “perfect start” to the night. Their performance earned them a sizzling 34 points, securing the top spot and sparking talk of Lewis as a genuine contender for this year’s Glitterball trophy (BBC, Mirror).
The leaderboard reflected the competitive spirit:
- Lewis Cope & Katya Jones: 34
- Amber Davies & Nikita Kuzmin: 33
- Vicky Pattison & Kai Widdrington: 33
- Alex Kingston & Johannes Radebe: 32
With the Halloween Spooktacular looming next week, the competition is only heating up.
Surprise Messages and Emotional Connections
This week wasn’t just about the dance. The show was punctuated by surprise messages from celebrities whose music was honored. Geordie legend Cheryl Tweedy sent a video to Vicky Pattison, who performed a couple’s choice routine to “Fight For This Love.” Vicky, visibly moved, said she could relate to Cheryl’s journey, reflecting on her own transformation since her Geordie Shore days. The emotion was palpable, with Vicky stating, “I’m not letting the past define me. I worked on myself and now I’m happy with the woman I’ve become.”
Ellie Goldstein’s Salsa to a Spice Girls medley was another highlight. The performance was packed with energy and topped off with a heartfelt video message from Emma Bunton, congratulating Ellie for embodying her favorite Spice Girl. These moments went beyond the dance, connecting viewers to the contestants’ personal stories and inspirations (Mirror).
Mixed Results and Standout Performances
The night’s routines spanned the spectrum. Amber Davies, dressed in sparkling Ariana Grande style, executed a technically demanding Cha Cha Cha to “Break Free.” Judges commended her footwork and commitment, with Anton Du Beke saying Amber is in a “perpetual state of plié,” and Shirley Ballas noting Amber was “touching a 10.”
Meanwhile, YouTuber George Clarke’s Jive to Harry Styles’ “As It Was” didn’t quite hit the mark. Craig Revel Horwood called it “flat footed,” and the duo landed at the bottom of the leaderboard with 27 points. After the show, George took to Instagram, humorously begging for votes after what he called a “disasterclass.”
Footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink continued to break the mold for sports stars, delivering an American Smooth to Prince’s “Purple Rain.” He was praised for showing a softer, more expressive side, earning 30 points and compliments from Anton on his “magnificent” timing.
La Voix’s Comeback and Calls for New Hosts
Drag performer La Voix, who had languished at the bottom last week, returned with a comedic and charismatic Salsa to Cher’s “Strong Enough.” Not content with just dancing, La Voix belted out “Believe” live to close the show, earning laughs and applause from both judges and viewers. Shirley Ballas remarked, “What a comeback!” and fans online began rallying for La Voix to take up hosting duties, especially as Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman prepare to step down after a 14-year partnership.
The speculation over new hosts is fierce, with fans suggesting everyone from Alan Carr and Rylan Clark to Mel and Sue. La Voix herself jokingly asked Claudia on air if there were any vacancies, further fueling the buzz.
Behind the Scenes: Judges and Costumes
Strictly is as much about showmanship as skill, and this week’s judges embraced the Icons theme with gusto. Anton was transformed into David Bowie’s Aladdin Sane, Motsi channeled Grace Jones, Shirley was regal as Elvis, and Craig as John Lennon. The costumes added a playful edge to the night’s proceedings, reminding viewers of the show’s unique ability to blend artistry with entertainment.
Costume highlights extended to the contestants, with Balvinder Sopal donning a diamante cowboy hat for her Beyoncé-themed Quickstep and George Clarke sporting white flares covered in hearts for his Harry Styles tribute. These details, while light-hearted, help build the show’s festive atmosphere and sense of occasion.
Voting, Leaderboard, and What’s Next
As the final credits rolled, voting opened for viewers to support their favorites, with Anton Du Beke set to hold the casting vote in the dance-off tomorrow. The leaderboard remains tight, and with Halloween Week next, the stakes are higher than ever.
Icons Week also marks a turning point for Strictly, as it prepares to say goodbye to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Their chemistry and warmth have been central to the show’s success, and their impending exit has sparked both nostalgia and anticipation for what comes next.
As ever, Strictly remains a celebration—not just of dance, but of resilience, transformation, and the joy of performance. Whether it’s a surprise message from a pop icon or a contestant overcoming nerves to shine, the show continues to capture the spirit of Saturday night entertainment.
Strictly Come Dancing’s Icons Week proved why it remains a cultural staple: blending nostalgia, surprise, and authentic emotion with fierce competition. The episode highlighted not just the stars on the dancefloor, but the enduring magic of connection—between celebrities, their icons, and the millions watching at home. With new hosts on the horizon and the leaderboard heating up, Strictly’s ability to evolve while honoring its legacy is its true strength.