Strictly Come Dancing's annual Blackpool extravaganza at the Tower Ballroom saw no dance-off or elimination this week due to the injury withdrawal of contestant La Voix. The drag queen received a fond farewell as former finalists returned to perform, leaving the remaining six couples to head back to Elstree Studios for the 10th live show.
Next Saturday, the couples will face a new challenge: the Instant Dance, in addition to their usual routines. This could lead to choreographic chaos as they compete to make it through to Musicals Week. The show airs at 6.35pm on BBC1.
Fans expressed mixed feelings about the new format. Some, like jennyloo, are looking forward to what they call an 'enjoyable hot mess', while others, like Somersetlass, predict it could be 'brilliant or absolute carnage'. Lidoswimmer noted that the instant dance might be easier for female celebrities who can be 'flung around' by their professional partners.
Viewers also shared their thoughts on the performances. Ladyglencora praised Lewis Capaldi's Charleston, suggesting he could break the 'best dancers never win' curse. Meanwhile, HollyBB speculated that contestant George might be positioned by the BBC as a future presenter, following comments from Richard Osman on The Rest is Entertainment podcast.
The absence of elimination this week was welcomed by some fans. Climbingrose remarked that the dancers looked 'much more relaxed' and could enjoy the experience more without the pressure of a dance-off.
