Strictly Come Dancing: week three – live

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Let’s play Movie Week bingo

Tick them off when you spot them! Take a drink for each! Default on your mortgage and end up sleeping in the Jag! Here’s your 10-point spotter’s checklist for Movie Week:

• Cynthia Erivo scores on the generous side but not “Donny Osmond levels”

• Misuse of the word “iconic”

• Rumba is described as “notoriously tricky for male celebrities”

• A celebrity unconvincingly claims that they’re paying tribute to their all-time favourite film. (Miss Congeniality? Really?)

• Tess says “They’re on their feet!” or “Your little face!”

• Anton Du Beke harks back to his own Movie Week routines of yore

• Film-themed VT with Craig playing the villain

• You get confused and think Claudia is about to host a Round Table in the Scottish Highlands

• Judges have no clue how to mark Couple’s Choice so dish out random high scores

• Widespread “Awws!” and “Get well soons” sent to Stefan Dennis

Show has been shortened

Stefan’s absence means the BBC has taken the unusual step of reducing the show’s running time tonight. It will be 10 minutes shorter than advertised, finishing at 8.30pm, rather than 8.40pm. What will we all do with those extra 10 minutes? Use them wisely, ballroom fans.

It’s 25 minutes until the glittery curtain comes up….

Stefan Dennis throws a sickie

Don’t worry, there hasn’t been an emergency at Lassiters. Fear not, Bouncer is OK. It was announced yesterday that Neighbours star Stefan Dennis will not be taking part in tonight’s show due to illness. In line with Strictly rules, Dennis and pro partner Dianne Buswell will receive a bye through to next week, when it’s hoped the actor will be well enough to perform.

Less than half an hour until choreographic kick-off…

Saturday night at the movies

Lights, camera, dancing action! Good evening and welcome to Movie Week madness. I’m Michael, your torch-wielding, ice cream-selling for tonight’s Strictly Come Dancing live show. You are cordially invited to watch along with me as the red carpet is rolled out for the first themed weekend of 2025.

After last week’s first elimination – you’re fired, Thomas Skinner – tonight our 14 surviving pro-celebrity pairs take to the Elstree Studios ballroom floor once again. Or at least, 13 of them do. More on that in a moment. They’ll be performing routines inspired by Hollywood films, so expect a feast of fancy dress and props. Oscar-nominated Hollywood star Cynthia Erivo is on hand as guest judge and mentor to help them deliver blockbuster performances.

On Sunday night, the credits will roll on one couple’s competition. No more of this “scores carried forward from last week” business. Tonight’s judges’ totals will be combined with the public vote, then the bottom two couples will dance for survival. But whose routine will be a box office smash? And which flop will go straight to DVD??

The clapperboard comes down at 6.05pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 5.35pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and snark from the cheap seats. So stock up on popcorn, bucket-sized drinks and exorbitant pick ’n’ mix and I’ll see you on the front row of the cinema.

As always, I’d love to hear from you too. You can tweet me @michaelhogan, contact me on Bluesky or Threads @michaelhogan100, email me [email protected] and the comments section below is open for your Movie Week messages. As usual, I’ll flick, kick and fleckerl down there every now and again to gauge your reaction to the show. Please don’t be shy about sharing your thoughts.

Are you ready for your Movie Week close-up? Nearly time to staaaaaart cinematic dancing!