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Halloween week has arrived at Strictly Come Dancing, with the remaining 11 couples bringing their most dastardly dance moves to the ballroom as a terrifying twist looms in the results show.
Following footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips’ exit last week, the dance contest’s celebration of all things spooky arrives with the competition tighter than ever, as six different couples have topped the leaderboard so far.
Things are looking extra tense at the bottom too, as Jaime Winstone last week faced her second dance off of the season just one week after she came joint first on the leaderboard.
And this year, Halloween weekend arrives with a brand new, ultra fiendish fiendish twist, where three couples will face the dance-off and the judges must vote for the pair they want to eliminate, rather than save.
If that wasn’t spooky enough, viewers can expect a Ghostbusters tango, a Practical Magic samba, and according to some bewildered interviews Will Best has been given, a couple’s choice routine that’s got something to do with puppets…
Follow live updates below…
Recap: Mel C’s performance on Strictly last week
Last week’s episode also featured Spice Girls star Melanie C joining the Strictly professional dancers for a fitness-inspired group dance to her single “Sweat”.
Mel C performs ‘Sweat’ on Strictly Come Dancing
Roisin O’Connor31 October 2026 16:11
Strictly star defends BBC for blurring out t-shirt with pro-trans slogan
Strictly Come Dancing star Bethany Antonia has addressed a controversy caused by the BBC, which blurred out her t-shirt featuring a pro-trans slogan.
Earlier this month, during a VT showing the House of the Dragon actor in rehearsals, Antonia was seen wearing a shirt bearing the words “Protect the dolls”, a phrase referencing the need to protect trans women.
The BBC told The Independent that the decision to blur the words was an “appropriate step to reduce the inclusion of any overt branding or slogans that may be present, regardless of the wording or statement in question”. A spokesperson called it “standard practice on any entertainment show”.
Roisin O’Connor31 October 2026 15:44
VIDEO: Shaun Wright-Phillips becomes fourth celeb to leave Strictly Come DancingShaun Wright-Phillips becomes fourth celeb to leave Strictly Come Dancing
Roisin O’Connor31 October 2026 15:02
Delta Goodrem is back after her rib injury and Tabby Stoecker is top of the leaderboard
Her rumba to Celine Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now” with professional partner Kai Widdrington scored 34.
Winter Olympic champion Tabby Stoecker topped the leaderboard on Saturday, following Goodrem by scoring two 10s for her couple’s choice dance to “Stupid Song” by Olivia Rodrigo.
Her total of 37 was the highest of the series so far.
Her performance with professional partner Mark Karmalita was dedicated to her late father, and she appeared emotional after the dance.
Judge Shirley Ballas praised her as a “beautiful dancer” and called the performance “absolutely exquisite”.
Tabby Stoecker and Mark Karmalita topped the leaderboard this week (BBC)
Roisin O’Connor31 October 2026 14:44
Strictly Come Dancing announces surprise format change as fourth couple exits
Last Sunday’s results show brought a surprise announcement: Strictly’s first triple dance-off, which will take place during next week’s Halloween episode.
The three couples with the lowest combined judges’ scores and public votes will dance again next week, before the judges eliminate one pair.
Strictly will return to a two-couple dance-off for the rest of the series.
Roisin O’Connor31 October 2026 14:07