Strictly Come Dancing's Halloween Week will feature a historic three-couple dance-off for the first time, as judges vote to eliminate one pairing. The twist was confirmed by Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood ahead of the results show on November 1.
Anton Du Beke on the three-way dance-off
Speaking to Tyler West on the spin-off show Lights Up, Anton Du Beke shared his excitement about the format change. He said: "Well, you're going to see a side of Craig you rarely see because he's more desperate to eliminate people than save them. He saves them under duress; he's vicious!"
He added: "But, it's going to be exciting. A three-way dance-off is going to be very exciting as well because it's a whole new level of, 'I wasn't expecting to be in the dance-off'. So, this could be anyone. You could be way up on the leader board, and then you could be in the dance-off."
Craig Revel Horwood's reaction
Craig Revel Horwood was equally enthusiastic about the twist, stating: "It's going to be great. My eyes have lit up, darling."
Typically, the two pairings with the fewest public votes perform again for the judging panel in an attempt to secure their place in the following week. However, during Halloween Week on October 31, the three couples with the lowest viewer votes will dance again, before the judges decide which pairing to eliminate.
Judges to vote on elimination
The BBC judges confirmed that just one partnership will be departing the contest. Addressing the forthcoming twist during the latest results programme, Craig informed Johannes Radebe and Emma Willis that ordinarily, the judges vote on whom they wish to save, although this time they'll be voting on whom they want to send home.
Shaun Wright-Phillips eliminated
BBC viewers said goodbye to Shaun Wright-Phillips on Sunday evening, October 25, after he faced Jaime Winstone in the dance-off. While Motsi Mabuse and Craig chose to spare Jaime, Shirley Ballas cast her vote in favour of Shaun. When Anton Du Beke delivered the deciding vote, he sided with his two fellow judges and elected to keep Jaime in the running.
Addressing Emma Willis after his departure, Shaun said: "I don't think I can put into words how my time has been, from the pros, judges, staff behind the cameras, everyone who's helped me along the way, it's been the most amazing journey I've had."
He added: "And thank you for giving me the chance to be on the Strictly Ballroom floor and actually learn how to dance." Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday, October 31 on BBC One from 6:30pm.
