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Strictly: Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola's sultry Rumba and Layton Williams tops leaderboard ahead of Blackpool – week 8 highlights

Nigel Harman, Layton Williams and more are hoping to make it to the Tower Ballroom


Strictly Come Dancing 2023 cast, 4 November 2023
Francesca Shillcock
Senior Features Writer
Updated: On 11 November 2023
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Senior Features Writer

Thanks for joining us!

What a night it's been. Routines have been performed, votes have been cast, and the fate of Blackpool's line-up has pretty much been set. We can practically smell the seaside already...

There was some division among the judges, some seriously impressive moves and an Argentine Tango that will go down in Strictly history. So, with Blackpool next week, who will stay and who will go? Find out on Sunday night's result show.

And make sure you join us next week for the biggest night in the Strictly calendar!

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Senior Features Writer

Layton and Nikita's Argentine Tango gets robbed in broad daylight

Craig. You know we love you, but right now I'm considering writing you a very strongly worded letter. I'm no expert, but that dance deserved nothing less than a perfect score, right?!

I simply have no words for that dance. WOW. The bar just got raised to the high heavens. Layton and Nikita couldn't have smashed it more. Technique, drama, style. We really did just witness a dance for the Strictly history book, guys, remember where you were in this moment.

Scores:  9, 10, 10, 10 (39)

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Senior Features Writer

Angela and Carlos slow things down

A change of gear as Angela and Carlos took on the Waltz and Craig didn't hold back, did he? The judge immediately stated there was "unforgivable gapping". Ouch.

Fortunately, the rest of the judges didn't seem to agree with Motsi saying it was their best dance. How's that for a bit of debate among the panel? We thought it was beautiful.

Scores: 7, 9, 8, 9 (33)

Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu
++Publication of this image is strictly embargoed until 19:25 hours Saturday 11th November 2023++,BBC,Guy Levy© Guy Levy
Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu ++Publication of this image is strictly embargoed until 19:25 hours Saturday 11th November 2023++,BBC,Guy Levy

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Senior Features Writer

Annabel and Johannes dance to Shakira. Say no more.

WHENEVER, WHEREEVER! What a TUNE. Sorry, back to it.

Annabel and Johannes are the second pair of the evening to take on the Samba and they didn't hold back. Anton Du Beke was left almost speechless and said it was "terrific". We concur Mr D.B.

Craig and Motsi admitted they felt "nervous" before the routine but Craig then said he loved that Annabel gave herself permission to go wild. Shirley meanwhile said she nearly "wet herself" with excitement. We'll leave you with that.

Scores: 7, 8, 8, 8 (31)

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Senior Features Writer

Ellie and Vito might have just secured their place in the final…

If you can pull off a Rumba – with props from the Rumba queen herself Shirley Ballas – then you're onto a winner to be honest. Ellie and Vito received high praise for their Rumba and we heard the word "spectacular" more than once!

The actress doesn't seem to put a foot wrong and she and Vito have impeccable chemistry. Mark my words, we're looking at two finalists right there.

Scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 (35)

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Senior Features Writer

Nigel and Katya prove they're amazing just the way they are!

Dancing to Bruno Mars' track 'Just The Way You Are', Nigel and Katya performed their couple's choice routine, which was an ode to old-school Hollywood with a romantic twist.

Nigel looked right at home with the lyrical, American Smooth-style choreography. He's certainly a theatre performer, darling! Top marks from us.

Scores: 8, 8, 9, 9 (34) - their highest score yet!

Nigel Harman and Katya Jones dance their couples choice© Guy Levy
Nigel Harman and Katya Jones dance their couples choice
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Senior Features Writer

Angela and Kai make their case for Blackpool

After facing the dance-off last week, Angela and Kai really wanted to up their game. Their Tango was certainly full of content and Angela brought out her signature leg extension to wow the judges – which seemed to work!

Craig called it "wonderful" and Motsi Mabuse called it "daring". Already a better result than last week, so the pair are in a good position.

Scores: 8, 8, 8, 8 (32)

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Senior Features Writer

Bobby and Dianne give the American Smooth a Viennese Whirl

Bobby and Dianne have come on leaps and bounds in the competition and we think their Viennese Waltz take on the American Smooth was beautiful.

Craig Revel Horwood brought the vibe down a bit when he moaned about Bobby's hands – but the rest of the judges were pretty pleased with their number. We particularly loved the performance side of it and the lifts!

Scores: 7, 8, 8, 9 (32)

Bobby and Dianne dance during Strictly week 8© Guy Levy
Bobby and Dianne dance during Strictly week 8
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Senior Features Writer

And we're off! Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Lauren Oakley are first up

The Samba is notoriously hard – so credit to Krishnan for starting tonight's show with a difficult dance on a very important week in the competition. He's so likeable, isn't he?

The judges said the technique might have fallen a little flat – we're inclined to agree – but he never fails to deliver on entertainment. We loved it.

Scores: 5, 7, 6, 7 (25)

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Senior Features Writer

Who left Strictly Come Dancing week 7?

Last week, it was Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk who sadly had to say goodbye to their fellow dancers.

The pair were in the bottom two against Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington and the judges voted to save Angela. Does that mean Angela is at risk this week? All will be revealed.

Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk left last week© Guy Levy
Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk left last week
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Senior Features Writer

Strictly Come Dancing week 8 is here – and it's a biggie

HELLO! and welcome to Strictly week 8. It's an important night tonight as the celebrities will be hoping to wow the judges and audiences enough to be voted through to Blackpool week on the 18th – a huge event in the Strictly calendar.

So, who will be there? Well, it all depends on what goes down at Elstree Studios tonight. So grab a cuppa (or something stronger if that's your persuasion) and join me for what's sure to be a brilliant night.

Strictly Come Dancing celebrities and dancers© BBC
The Strictly Come Dancing celebrities and dancers
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