It’s the semi-final, and that means double the work and double the pressure. The time for mistakes is over. Each couple’s journey is nearing the pinnacle of the competition, and with just one week to go, everything is on the line. Two dances stand between them and a place in next week’s final. The pressure is on as they fight to earn their spot and keep their Strictly dream alive.

It is musical night on Strictly, so get ready to sing along and be immersed in a world of music and story. This is a great night for the celebs to bring together all their skills, both technical and performance based, and show West End style performances. Characterisation and energy are so important in the performances tonight, as they portray well known and beloved characters from the stage.

So, we’re now onto week ten and after last week where no one went home the pressure is on. Points and scores from the judges’ scores last week were rolled over and added to this week’s scores, which instantly raised the stakes and made every step feel that little bit more crucial. The couples came into the ballroom knowing they had no safety cushion this time, and you could really sense the tension building throughout the evening. There’s also a chance to score extra points in the instant dance round, a new round for this year to add to the chaos and drama of this glorious show. It brings a whole new layer of unpredictability, leaving both the celebrities and professionals guessing right up until the music starts, and honestly it makes the whole night feel even more exciting for us watching at home.

It is Blackpool, the Vegas of the north, and the true home of ballroom dancing. The Blackpool Tower is where it all belongs, and there is nothing quite like seeing the ballroom lit up in all its glory. It is every dancer’s dream to glide across that famous sprung floor and to be surrounded by such an iconic and historic setting.

It is strictly time, and with Blackpool only a week away the heat is rising. We are now at the stage where every performance counts and leaving the competition feels tougher than ever. The celebrities have put in so much time, effort and energy, pushing through long rehearsals, tired feet and more blisters than they expected. Each week they have learned a completely new dance, and all of that hard work shows on the dance floor at this point in the competition.

Halfway Highlights: Drama, Glamour and A-MAZING Moments on the Strictly Dance Floor

Boos, Ballgowns and Bewitching Moves

It’s week five on Strictly and it’s another themed week: Icons Week. The celebrities have been given the chance to show off their dance moves as their favourite icons. From Cher to Cheryl Cole, lots of big names are sure to make a splash.

We’re now onto week four. At this point in the competition, we’re starting to see the improvements from the celebrities more visibly. We’re back to the normal judging panel and may I say they all looked smashing in their outfits, especially Anton’s white number (hello, Mr Bond).

It is Movie Week on Strictly Come Dancing, the first of the themed weeks. Week three opens with a spectacular performance from the professional dancers to the music from Wicked. I always enjoy when the themes begin, as this is the first time we get to see the celebrities’ acting abilities and how they bring well-known characters to life, alongside their continuing dance improvements.

It’s week two in the wonderful world of Strictly Come Dancing. For the first time this series the public get to have their say and vote for their favourite dancers. The leaderboard now combines judges’ scores with this week’s all important public votes, and for one unlucky couple the glitterball dream comes to an end.

The glitter balls are sparkling, the smell of fake tan fills the air, and the sound of the orchestra can be heard warming up. The nights are drawing in and the blankets are snuggling tightly. We need one thing and one thing only: STRICTLY!