Strictly Come Dancing Week 3: Ross King Eliminated After Dramatic Movie Night Dance-Off

Movie Week Delivers Drama: Ross King’s Farewell

For fans of Strictly Come Dancing, week three brought a blend of cinematic spectacle and emotional farewells. The glitterball stage was set for Movie Week, with celebrities and professionals channeling everything from classic musicals to animated adventures. Yet behind the sequins and themed routines, the tension was palpable—especially for Ross King, who entered the weekend as the bookmakers’ favorite for elimination.

Saturday’s live show dazzled viewers with performances inspired by films like Thunderbirds Are Go and Swing Time. The competition was fierce, but it was clear that some stars were at greater risk than others. Ross King, paired with the energetic Jowita Przystal, struggled to impress the judges with their Paso Doble to the iconic Thunderbirds theme. The scoreboard reflected their challenges, as King landed at the bottom with just 19 points—a result that foreshadowed Sunday night’s outcome (The Independent).

The Dance-Off: Justice and Emotion on the Ballroom Floor

The result show opened with anticipation, amplified by the first dance-off of the season to feature a genuine shock: EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal and partner Julian Caillon found themselves in jeopardy despite a well-received foxtrot. Both couples reprised their Movie Week routines, dancing for survival. Sopal and Caillon brought elegance and poise to “The Way You Look Tonight,” while King and Przystal gave one last energetic push with their Thunderbirds Paso Doble.

The panel of judges—Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke—were unanimous in their decision: Balvinder and Julian would stay. Head judge Shirley Ballas, holding the casting vote, confirmed she would have made the same call. For Ross King, the end of the journey was bittersweet, marked by genuine gratitude and a few tears. He addressed the audience and his partner Jowita, expressing, “I have loved every single minute of it. I want to thank everyone here—backstage, the judges, the crew. Every single person has made me so, so welcome.” Przystal reciprocated with warmth: “Thank you so much for all of your work. We laughed a lot—but we also cried! I hope I’m going to be a little part in your life forever.” (Entertainment Focus)

Guest Mentor Cynthia Erivo and Standout Performances

This week, the show welcomed its first-ever guest mentor: Tony and Grammy-winning actress Cynthia Erivo. Her approach struck a chord with both contestants and viewers—personalized feedback, encouraging words, and a sense of pride as couples acted on her advice. Erivo’s star power and empathy raised the bar for future guest judges, outshining predecessors like Jennifer Grey and Alfonso Ribeiro. Even when panel disagreements flared (“You are wrong, Shirley!”), Erivo remained gracious and supportive (The Guardian).

Elsewhere, the results show featured a standout musical interlude from Chinese pianist Lang Lang, who performed “Reflection” from Disney’s Mulan. Accompanied by professional dancers Nancy Xu and Kai Widdrington, the routine delivered a moment of genuine artistry. The professionals also staged a quirky group dance inspired by the video game Minecraft—a segment that divided opinion among fans, with some praising its creativity and others left puzzled by the cardboard box choreography.

Unexpected Turns: Illness, Format Changes, and Viewer Reactions

The week was not without its surprises. Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis missed Saturday’s show due to illness, automatically advancing to the next round per the rules. Social media buzzed with speculation and support, with partner Dianne Buswell addressing rumors about her own role in the absence. Meanwhile, the results show’s format tweaks drew mixed reactions: some viewers felt the new recap openings were too reminiscent of X Factor, while others lamented the lack of spotlight for the final safe couples.

Across forums and comment sections, audience engagement was high. Fans debated the fairness of the judges’ scores—especially for Balvinder Sopal, whose elegant foxtrot was perceived as harshly judged. The “curse of the middle of the leaderboard” seemed to strike again, with some viewers failing to vote for celebrities they assumed were safe. Others praised Chris Robshaw’s improvement and speculated about the next surprise exit.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Strictly

With Ross King’s departure, 13 couples remain in the competition. Next week marks a return to non-themed routines, offering contestants a chance to regroup and refocus. The live show airs Saturday at 6:30pm on BBC One, with results following on Sunday evening. As always, the journey continues—each week bringing new stories, surprises, and, inevitably, another emotional farewell.

For Ross King, the road may have ended sooner than hoped, but his gracious exit and heartfelt thanks left a lasting impression. The ballroom remains open for fresh drama, dazzling dances, and the unpredictable magic that keeps Strictly fans tuning in.

Strictly’s third week highlights the unpredictability of competitive reality TV—where skill, nerves, and even format tweaks can sway outcomes. Ross King’s elimination, though expected by many, underscores the emotional stakes for celebrities who step outside their comfort zones. The judges’ unanimous decision reflected both fairness and the relentless pace of the contest, while the show’s embrace of mentorship and creative risk-taking continues to set it apart in British entertainment.