The first elimination of Strictly Come Dancing 2026 aired tonight, with judges' scores combined with last week's live show results. The two lowest-scoring pairs had to perform again in the dance-off before the panel cast their votes.
Chris Appleton, 43, and Amy Dowden, 36, faced Jaime Winstone, 41, and Carlos Gu, 33, in a bid for survival. Ultimately, it was curtains for the celebrity hairdresser.
Unanimous Decision in Dance-Off
In a cha cha showdown, Chris and Amy performed their Baywatch-inspired number to I'll Be Ready, while Jamie and Carlos recreated their stylish Pretty Woman routine. The decision was unanimous, with Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke all voting to save Jamie.
Craig Revel Horwood, who this week was the judge with the deciding vote, said he would also have saved Jamie and Carlos should he have been required to vote. The rest of the cast flocked to the dance floor to say goodbye to Chris and Amy.
Leaderboard Highlights
Last weekend, Chris and Amy scored just 16 points for their tango. Now, 14 couples remain, and they're back to the rehearsal room bright and early tomorrow morning before another elimination next Sunday.
Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington topped the leaderboard, having finished second last week with 29 points but going one better with their A Star is Born American Smooth. Their total of 59 points placed them firmly in first place, with Shirley declaring the former Neighbours actress 'a force to be reckoned with'.
In joint second place were Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola, and Graeme Hall and Lauren Oakley, both bagging 55. John Nellis and Katya Jones earned just 23 points for their couple's choice, putting them in fourth.
Presenters Under Scrutiny
Movie Week also marked the second live show for new presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe. Some viewers were irritated upon noticing Emma spent a lot of time simply 'standing there' while Josh cracked jokes, while others suggested the Last Leg star's witty remarks would be better suited alongside Johannes upstairs.
Throughout the week, fellow Strictly crew have defended the shake-up, which also saw five new professionals replace fan favourites, new opening titles, and a new It Takes Two host in Ellie Taylor. An extra spin-off show, titled Lights Up, fronted by Abi Clarke and radio presenter Tyler West, captures the immediate aftermath of the elimination from the studio.
Lauren, who is dancing with dog trainer Graeme, wrote on her Instagram Story: 'We couldn't be in safer hands than with these beautiful people. Strictly is about family, uplifting others, and creating a safe space for celebrity contestants to be vulnerable and do something so outside of their comfort zone.' Josh hasn't directly responded to any of the criticism, but he did repost Lauren's message of support, adding love hearts.
Strictly Come Dancing continues next Saturday at 6.15pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
