Let the quarter-finals commence!
Good evening Strictly fans. Tonight we're in for a real treat as the quarter-finals kick off with Musicals Week. Ready and waiting with a glass of fizz? Me too – cheers!
Sadly, the BBC has confirmed that Nigel Harman has been forced to withdraw from tonight's competition, but, as all theatre fans know, the show must go on. So, without further ado, let's raise the curtain (and a glass) to the quarter-finals.
Cue the Strictly theme tune…
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announce rule change
© BBCFollowing the news of Nigel Harman's exit for medical reasons, Claudia and Tess revealed that this week there will be no public vote tonight and no elimination this weekend. However, the judges will still be scoring, and those scores will be carried over.
Ellie Leach is the Belle of the ballroom
© BBCEllie Leach and Vito Coppola delivered another spellbinding performance. Inspired by the Disney classic, Beauty and the Beast, the couple's quick step paid off – bagging them a respectable 36. In a rare feat, notoriously critical judge Craig Revel Horwood shocked the crowds after admitting that he "absolutely loved it."
Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe recreate the magic of Wicked
© BBCAnnabel and Johannes were pure magic! Telling a story with the Foxtrot, the duo danced to For Good from the hit musical Wicked. While judge Shirley Ballas warned Annabel to watch her frame, the tennis star was commended by all on her spectacular footwork. In the end, it was a score of 33, which is the highest scoring Foxtrot of the series.
Nigel Harman and Katya Jones hold back tears
© BBCNigel Harman and Katya Jones made an emotional appearance on the show, as they addressed their decision to exit. After explaining that he'd injured his rib in rehearsals, Nigel thanked a crying Katya for all her hard work, adding that she'd always be a part of him.
It's a perfect 40 for Layton and Nikita
West End star Layton Williams was in his element. After landing in the dance-off last week, Layton and his dance partner, Nikita Kuzmin, made one hell of a comeback, scoring 10s across the board with their Moulin Rouge-inspired Paso Doble.
© Guy LevyBobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell had the time of their life
© BBCNobody puts Bobby in the corner! Sorry, couldn't help it...
Wowing the crowds with their salsa, Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell transformed into Johnny and Baby for their Dirty Dancing routine – which included a show-stopping lift. This week the couple scored 34, putting them third on the leaderboard.
Let's take a look at this week's leaderboard...
© BBCLayton and Nikita are back in the lead, for now at least. As Claudia and Tess explained at the start of the show, these scores will be taken into account for next week, which means that all four couples are safe for the time being.
Thanks everyone!
Well, that's a wrap on Musicals Week! For now, our four remaining contestants can rest easy, but next week, another couple will leave the competition. Make sure to tune in next week for the semi-finals, and in the meantime KEEP ON DANCING!
