Strictly Come Dancing fans have suggested what they think is missing from this year's competition after the latest live show delivered some major surprises.
The BBC One dance show returned in September with a pre-recorded launch show introducing the 15 new famous faces taking part in the 2026 series. Attention also focused on the show's trio of new hosts - Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe - the first-ever trio to helm the programme, replacing long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped down last year.
Week Seven Highlights
The 2026 series is now in its seventh week, with the latest live show taking place on Saturday night (November 7). Only nine of the 10 couples left in the competition performed in the ballroom, as Jaime Winstone and her professional partner Carlos Gu received a bye to next week's show after she suffered a torn abdominal muscle.
The remaining nine couples took to the dance floor, with Dani Dyer topping the leaderboard after scoring her first 10 of the series with her professional partner Nikita Kuzmin. The couple closed the show with their American smooth to It Had to Be You by Harry Connick Jr, scoring 36. Head judge Shirley Ballas said they did "exceptionally well" and stood to applaud them at its conclusion.
Fans Call for Ringers
Olympian Tabby Stoecker and her professional partner Mark Karmalita placed second on the leaderboard, dancing the paso doble to Supermassive Black Hole by Muse and scoring 33. Judge Craig Revel Horwood said it was "absolutely connected and fantastic", while Anton Du Beke added: "You are back on form," after the couple dropped to the bottom of the leaderboard last weekend.
Despite the performances, fans shared what they think is missing from the latest run. @Kaaaaatie_x said: "This series is really proving to me something we’ve been saying forever - we desperately need ringers to make sure it’s always a good show!!! this series feels kinda flat compared to others and i think it’s because there’s so few standouts so far #strictly."
@nancyjowitas commented: "Feels like we’ve not had a real standout dance so far this series, I know people complain about ringers but without one it all feels a bit.. flat? #strictly." @lexisloveeclub added: "Thoughts from tonight: -axe all the judges and start fresh next year -WE NEED RINGERS -It needs to be an all female final #Strictly."
