Break out the dressing-up box and prepare your scarily bad puns: yes, it’s the annual Strictly spook-tacular. It was a night of tricks and treats, with some contestants rising to the devilish occasion – in particular Ellie Leach (who’s increasingly looking like a future champion), Layton Williams and Angela Rippon – while others succumbed to those horrifying nerves.
Of course, we’re also still reeling from the dramatic departure of Amanda Abbington: hear from a Strictly insider on why she might have bowed out early. Is partner Giovanni Pernice to blame? Find out about the Sicilian stallion’s turbulent Strictly “journey”. Let us know in the comments what you think happened!
Join us again for the results show on Sunday night at 7:20pm on BBC One.
Ellie absolutely kills it
Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola won the music lottery for their salsa (Murder on the Dancefloor by Sophie Ellis-Bextor – former Strictly contestant and queen of the kitchen disco), but at least one couple has to be green on Halloween, and they drew the short straw. One ungainly lift in there too, and heavy in places, otherwise this was an utter joy from start to finish, a brilliant hybrid of disco and salsa, fabulous energy, rhythm and connection. Leach worked really well into the floor, giving her hip-shaking groove and control over a fast routine. 9, 10, 10, 9 – 38. My score: 9
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
