The excitement surrounding Strictly Come Dancing has reached a fever pitch this season, but not without a fair share of drama that has rattled the show's reputation. Over the past few months, rumors of bullying and a toxic atmosphere on set have plagued the iconic dance competition, particularly involving some of the professional dancers. These unsettling allegations have caused quite a stir, but now, as the competition heats up, the focus has shifted away from scandal and back to the glittering, glamorous world of sequins, dazzling footwork, and impassioned performances.
As the weeks go by, it’s clear that the BBC producers are breathing a sigh of relief. Instead of viewers grappling with accusations of mistreatment and misconduct behind the scenes, the buzz is now all about the contestants' missteps on the dance floor, questionable judge decisions, and debates about unfair voting. After all, it’s the drama of the competition that keeps fans coming back, right? But one thing is for certain: all eyes will be on the grand finale come December, when another pair will be crowned the Strictly champions, lifting that highly coveted Glitterball Trophy.
The Road to Victory – Who’s Out So Far?
Before we dive into the remaining contestants, let’s take a look back at some of the unfortunate eliminations that have taken place over the past few weeks. It's always tough to see fan favorites leave the competition, but that's the nature of Strictly.
Week 9: Wynne Evans and Katya Jones
Opera singer Wynne Evans and his pro partner, Katya Jones, faced the music in Blackpool, with their Charleston failing to impress both the viewers and judges. Their time on the show came to an end as they were eliminated after falling short in the dance-off.
Week 8: Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu
Shayne Ward, the former X Factor winner, and his partner, Nancy Xu, were the next to go. Despite giving it their all, they were voted off in week eight, with head judge Shirley Ballas casting the deciding vote in favor of keeping Wynne and Katya, sending them through to Blackpool instead.
Week 7: Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin
Olympian Sam Quek and her partner Nikita Kuzmin failed to make the cut in week seven. Their American Smooth to Taylor Swift’s Love Story didn’t quite hit the mark, and despite their best efforts, they were eliminated after receiving lower votes from the public and judges.
Week 6: Punam Krishan and Gorka Márquez
TV doctor Punam Krishan and her partner Gorka Márquez found themselves in the bottom two in week six. After a tough dance-off, they were sent packing after losing to Shayne and Nancy.
Week 5: Paul Merson and Karen Hauer
Football legend Paul Merson and his partner Karen Hauer were eliminated in week five after a dance-off against JLS star JB Gill and pro dancer Amy Dowden. Their performance failed to win over the public and judges, marking the end of their Strictly journey.
Week 4: Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk
DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles and his pro partner Luba Mushtuk were sent home in week four. Despite giving it their best shot, they couldn’t quite match up to the competition, losing out in a dance-off to Shayne and Nancy.
Week 3: Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones
The second elimination of the season came in week three, where Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones were shown the door. Their samba to Poor Unfortunate Souls from The Little Mermaid failed to dazzle the judges or the public, and they were sent packing after a showdown with Paul and Karen.
Week 2: Tom Dean and Nadiya Bychkova
In a shocking turn of events, Olympic swimming champion Tom Dean and his partner Nadiya Bychkova were the first to leave the competition. Despite his incredible achievements in the pool, Tom’s stiff performance on the dance floor wasn’t enough to keep him in the running. The judges were split, but in the end, it was Toyah who won their favor, and Tom was sent home.
Who's Still in the Running?
Now that the dust has settled, let’s focus on the contestants who are still vying for that Glitterball Trophy. Each of these stars is putting in the hard work, but who will make it to the final?
Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell
Chris McCausland, a blind comedian from Liverpool, has quickly become one of the most intriguing contestants of the season. Known for his appearances on Have I Got News For You and QI, McCausland’s humor and determination are shining through on the Strictly dancefloor. Paired with the talented Dianne Buswell, who has made it to the final twice before, he’s gaining a lot of attention. Despite his self-deprecating humor about his dancing skills, fans are eager to see how he handles the challenge.
Betting odds to win: 11/8 (William Hill)
JB Gill and Amy Dowden
Former X Factor runner-up JB Gill has already made a name for himself outside of music with his farming ventures and appearances on shows like Springwatch and Countryfile. Now, he’s ready to step into the spotlight on the Strictly stage. Paired with Amy Dowden, who has returned to the show after battling breast cancer, JB is determined to prove himself. His enthusiasm and love for a good challenge have made him a favorite among fans.
Betting odds to win: 6/1 (William Hill)
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec
Model and Love Island star Tasha Ghouri is one of the most inspiring contestants this season. Born deaf, Tasha is passionate about raising awareness for the deaf community and has already worked with prominent organizations. Paired with the charismatic Aljaž Škorjanec, she’s ready to show the world what she’s made of. Tasha is not just here to compete but to represent her community and prove that anything is possible, regardless of challenges.
Betting odds to win: 3/1 (William Hill)
Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał
Reality TV star Pete Wicks is no stranger to the limelight, having starred in The Only Way is Essex and co-hosting a podcast. Now, he’s stepping out of his comfort zone and onto the Strictly dancefloor. With Polish pro Jowita Przystał as his partner, Pete is looking to make a big impact. Known for his bold personality, Pete’s willingness to take on new challenges makes him an exciting contender this season.
Betting odds to win: 33/1 (William Hill)
What’s Next for the Glitterball?
As the competition moves forward, we can only imagine the surprises, twists, and unforgettable moments that are still to come. The remaining contestants are bringing their A-game, but only one pair will take home the prestigious Glitterball Trophy. Whether it’s the dance moves, the judges’ critiques, or the public’s voting power, every week brings something new to the table.
One thing’s for sure: it’s going to be a thrilling ride, and with so many talented stars left in the running, there’s no telling who will emerge victorious come December. Let the sequins fly and the dancing begin!
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