The first couple to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing this year has been leaked just hours before the results show airs.
During Movie Week, the celebrity class of 2026 performed routines inspired by Ratatouille, Wicked, Titanic and Grease. The bottom couples included Will and Diane, Chris and Amy, and Melanie and Aljaz, all at risk of elimination.
It marked the first show of the season leading to an elimination, with the outcome set to be revealed during the results show on Sunday. However, the result has already leaked online.
How the leak happened
The Sunday episode is traditionally pre-recorded straight after Saturday’s live show, which makes it vulnerable to information leaks before broadcast. In this case, the results appeared on a Strictly spoiler forum and quickly went viral on social media.
New hosts face scrutiny
This season has faced scrutiny after long-time co-hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman departed, replaced by Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe. Their debut has had teething issues, with fans suggesting Josh would be better suited upstairs while Johannes could join Emma on the ballroom floor.
Although Johannes’ role interviewing celebrities and their pro-partners has grown on viewers this week, Josh still seems to be finding his feet, according to audience feedback. The 43-year-old host has faced criticism, prompting some co-stars to release statements in his defence, even without naming him directly.
Judge Motsi Mabuse, co-host Emma and Strictly pro Lauren Oakley have all shared supportive messages. In a post, Emma wrote: ‘You will get judged either way, so may as well pick the fun option’. Lauren said: ‘We couldn’t be in safer hands than with these beautiful people,’ amid a longer message.
Strictly Come Dancing airs at weekends on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
