Melanie Walters and Aljaz Skorjanec have become the second couple eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing's 2026 series, after losing the first deadlock vote of the competition. The result was confirmed during the second results show of the BBC One dance contest on Sunday night, October 11.
The pair faced Shaun Wright-Phillips and Alexis Warr in the dance-off, after both couples struggled with their scores during week three on Saturday night, October 10. Melanie, known for her role in Gavin and Stacey, performed a Charleston with partner Aljaz and was awarded 17 points, while Shaun, a former footballer, scored 15 for his quickstep, leaving him at the bottom of the leaderboard.
Judges split in deadlock vote
Despite his low score, judge Anton Du Beke told Shaun he had "all the components to be a super, super dancer." Craig Revel Horwood, meanwhile, said of Melanie's Charleston that he loved the dance style but it "wasn’t your thing."
Following the public vote, both couples performed their routines again in the dance-off. Shaun and Alexis danced their quickstep to I’m a Believer by The Monkees, before Melanie and Aljaz performed their Charleston to Ooh Ahh... Just A Little Bit by Gina G. The judges were split: Craig and head judge Shirley Ballas voted to save Shaun and Alexis, while Motsi Mabuse chose Melanie and Aljaz. Anton, holding the deciding vote, saved Shaun and Alexis, meaning Melanie and Aljaz left the competition.
Reaction and next week's show
The couple's immediate reaction from the dance floor was shown in the new spin-off Strictly: Lights Up, hosted by Abi Clarke and Tyler West, available on BBC iPlayer from the moment the results show credits roll. Melanie and Aljaz will also appear on Strictly - It Takes Two with Ellie Taylor on Monday at 6:30pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
Sunday's results show also featured a special group performance, with Shirley and Anton taking to the floor as two teams of professional dancers went head-to-head in a Ballroom vs Latin showdown. Musician Jalen Ngonda performed his song ‘Burning Temptation’, accompanied by professional dancers Neil Jones and Lethabo Monametsi.
The remaining thirteen couples will return to the dancefloor next week, when Strictly Come Dancing airs at 6:15pm on Saturday, October 17, for Icons Week.
