3rd November,
“Strictly Come Dancing” returned for another dazzling night on November 2, 2024, with the much-anticipated Icons Week. Celebrating its 20th anniversary season, the show brought 15 celebrity contestants and their professional partners back to the dance floor, where they paid tribute to music’s biggest legends. The stakes were high, and emotions ran deep as the couples aimed to capture the spirit of iconic artists. From standout performances to a memorable clash between judges, here’s what you missed in this latest episode.
Top Performers Steal the Spotlight
The night saw remarkable performances, with two couples emerging as the evening’s top scorers. Tasha Ghouri and her professional partner, Aljaž Škorjanec, wowed the judges with a captivating routine that paid homage to their chosen icon. The pair’s near-perfect performance was rewarded with an impressive 39 points, marking them as one of the highest-scoring couples of the season so far.
Not far behind, JB Gill and his partner, Lauren Oakley, matched the score with a performance that was both technically flawless and emotionally resonant. The duo’s passionate portrayal of an iconic musical figure garnered thunderous applause and high praise from the judges, who were clearly impressed by their dedication and skill.
Judges’ Disagreement: Craig and Motsi Go Head-to-Head
While the night was filled with awe-inspiring moments, a brief exchange between judges Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse reminded audiences of the lively and sometimes heated dynamics on the panel. The point of contention? Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe’s Waltz to Whitney Houston’s timeless classic, “I Will Always Love You.”
Craig, known for his straightforward critiques, pointed out that he felt the performance lacked the softness and grace necessary for such an iconic song. Motsi, however, clearly disagreed, humorously defending the pair’s rendition. The playful disagreement brought some light-hearted relief to the evening, and the interaction served as a reminder of the passion each judge brings to the panel.
Viewer Reactions and Controversy Over Scores
As always, fan engagement was high, but some viewers expressed frustration over what they felt was inconsistent scoring from the judges. A particular point of contention was the scoring for Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał’s Salsa, set to Queen’s anthem “Another One Bites the Dust.” Despite making a few noticeable mistakes, the pair received relatively high marks, which some fans believed were overly generous.
Social media was abuzz with debates, as many fans questioned the judges’ criteria and perceived leniency. The controversy sparked conversations about favoritism, with some wondering if certain contestants were being “overmarked.” The debate highlights the level of investment and passion that “Strictly” fans bring to the show, making it clear that every detail counts when it comes to scoring.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next on Strictly?
With only a few weeks left before the semi-finals, the competition is heating up. Every performance, every critique, and every score matters as the contestants push toward the final. The next live show is scheduled for Saturday, November 9, 2024, airing at 6:30 pm on BBC One and iPlayer. The results show will follow on Sunday, November 10, at 7:20 pm, where we’ll see who makes it through to another week.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming performances and are curious to see which couples will continue to shine and which might stumble under the pressure. Will we witness more surprise clashes among the judges? Which couple will manage to capture the judges’ hearts and the audience’s votes?
For more updates, highlights, and exclusive backstage glimpses, you can visit the official “Strictly Come Dancing” page on the BBC website or follow the show’s social media channels.