Strictly Come Dancing 2025: Leaderboard revealed as Carlos Gu left in tears and Lewis Cope addresses dance experience

Hello, happy Saturday, and happy Strictly day to all those who celebrate! Stay tuned to keep up with all the latest news in the lead up to this week's episode, and for live updates as it's happening tonight.

Fan favourite Lewis Cope has finally addressed the criticism he has been facing over his previous dance experience, during an appearance earlier this week on ITV's Loose Women. Read the full story here.

Just in case you were unsure, this week's episode of Strictly Come Dancing will be airing at 18.30 pm on BBC One. Stay here to keep up with all the latest news.

Last week, we sadly saw La Voix and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey in the dance off. Although La Voix had one point less than Harry on the final leaderboard, the drag queen improved in the dance-off, and the judges unanimously opted to save her, eliminating the former Olympian.

Fans are in for a treat tonight, with a beautiful waltz, a speedy jive and even a dramatic tango are in store.

• Alex & Johannes - Waltz - Weekend in New England - Barry Manilow
• Amber & Nikita - Paso Doble - Dream On - Aerosmith
• Balvinder & Julian - American Smooth - My Guy - Mary Wells
• George & Alexis - Rumba - Somewhere Only We Know - Lily Allen
• Karen & Carlos - American Smooth - You Don't Own Me - Saygrace feat. G-Eazy
• La Voix & Aljaz - Couple's Choice - Don't Rain on My Parade - Barbra Streisand
• Lewis & Katya - Tango - 12 to 12 - Sombr
• Vicky & Kai - Jive - Sound of the Underground - Girls Aloud

Our thoughts are currently with pro dancer Neil Jones, who confirmed that his father, David, had sadly passed away.

Claudia devastated fans when she confirmed that she would be leaving Strictly at the end of this current series. Throughout her career, one of her biggest supporters has been her husband, Kris Thykier. Here's all you need to know about their sweet relationship.

One of our favourite contestants on this year's show has been drag queen La Voix. Here's all you need to know about the star, including how she ended up accidentally getting involved in a diamond heist...

Blackpool is the biggest Strictly milestone, so you can bet the celebrities will be wanting to impress tonight to make sure they secure their place there. Will they do it? Let's find out!

We were treated to a lot of archive footage as the stars remembered Blackpool. Whether it was Shirley Ballas or Kai Widdrington's dancing memories, or scenes from Strictly past.

First on the floor this week was EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal. And while she had style and grace, did she do enough to make it through? Plenty to go, but sadly, I'm not convinced.

While Anton was impressed with Balvinder's performance, he did feel it was on the "safe" side, while Craig thought the star's frame was a "bit iffy", but praised Balvinder's "conviction". Meanwhile, Motsi thought there were balance issues in the dance, with Balvinder's solo parts being praised, but there a "carefulness" in the moment she was in hold.

I was touched by Balvinder comforting Julian before the scores, but the judges delivered their verdict with the star only scoring 27.

Look, I'm a simple guy, and Nikita's paso outfit alone gets a vote from me. But it also helps that Amber is one of the most accomplished dancers on the show. She had a ferocity in every move and she sold everything I want in the paso, my favourite dance style on the show.

Motsi said it was a "highlight" whenever Amber took to the floor, and while noted that the dance was "perfect". Shirley wanted more side stretch and outside of frame, but loved Amber's solo sections and the "storyline". Anton, meanwhile, said the routine was "thrilling to watch" and after a lot of noises, called the routine "exciting".

With Motsi and Anton blown away, the couple scored 38, with Craig and Shirley only giving the routine a 9.

The waltz is not danced enough on Strictly these days! And after a tough week last week, Alex brought the romance and classiness with her waltz. The Doctor Who star is back in style!

Although Shirley deducted one mark, she said the routine made her want t odance with Johannes, while Anton was incredibly impressed with Alex's footwork and noted how the couple danced "beautifully together". Meanwhile, Craig noted the "clean" footwork, but also thought at times that Alex looked "strange". Not sure I agree with that remark!

Alex has returned to near the top of the leaderboard, with the actress earning a score of 35. What a comeback!

Following last week's near-perfect tango, I was expecting the world from Vicky this week. And while I loved parts of the choreography, I don't think it was her best dance. Might Vicky end up in danger tonight?

Craig wanted more "retraction" and felt the routine was a little "flat-footed", but loved the character. Motsi called Vicky "our sunshine", but also noted several mistakes near the start of the routine. Shirley gave a demonstration of how Vicky's weight should have been, but she enjoyed the rotation and character.

Following her incredible score of 39, Vicky sadly didn't live up to last week. The star only earned 27, finding her towards the bottom of the leaderboard.

I love drama in a dance, but I never expected one from an American Smooth! Karen delivered a lot of passion and aggression in a dance that doesn't always need it, and I feel like she's on the up with her ballroom.

Anton ended up feeling that the dance was "brittle" as he called for Karen to be more "lyrical" in her dancing. Craig felt that Karen was a bit too fast at times, calling the performance "spiky" and asked for her to be "softer". Motsi felt that Karen remained authentic to herself, but she felt the routine was "strong".

Carlos wears his heart on his sleeve, and the professional was left in tears as Karen was told about her improvement in her frame. "Get a tissue", Tess called up to Claudia as the star headed up.

Despite a mixed response to their dance, Karen and Carlos ended up with a respectable 31 from the judges.

Back in Movie Week, there was a lot of talk over George's Couple's Choice. But with this routine and the story behind it, this feels like his Couple's Choice. I was blown away by his rumba, and this is one of the best ones I've seen on Strictly. Dance of the night so far.

While Motsi wasn't sold on George's "musicality", she did call the routine "beautiful". Shirley felt a little emotional, but noted some issues with the "co-ordination", while Anton said he "really, really liked it".

Even though I really loved the routine, George only ended up with a score of 29, towards the lower end of the leaderboard.

Say what you will about experience, but you can also count on Lewis Cope to deliver. The star really impressed me with his tango, passion, aggression, what more is needed?!