Strictly Come Dancing 2026 returns tonight for its fifth live show, a non-themed affair following the fancy-dress frenzy of Icons Week and the Halloween spectacular. All 12 pro-celebrity couples will take to the floor, with their ranks swelled again due to Delta Goodrem's return from injury.
A Close-Fought Contest
Last week's Icons Week featured the tightest ever scoreboard in week four, with all remaining couples within nine points of one another. Different couples have been in the dance-off every week, making this a close-fought, tough-to-call contest.
Will We See a Perfect 10?
The judges have awarded five near-perfect nines so far. Could tonight see them tempted to whip out their maximum paddles for the first time this series? Lewis Cope and Alex Kingston had both chalked up 10s by this time last year, adding another subplot to keep an eye on.
Showtime is at 6.30pm on BBC One, with liveblogging from 6pm providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and smart-arsed remarks. The comments section is open for dance discourse, and viewers can share thoughts via social media.
