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.
Sadly, we said goodbye to Balvinder and Julian. I absolutely loved this pairing and would have loved to see Balvinder make it to the final. Her determination and courage week after week, especially fighting her way back from the dance off multiple times, deserve huge praise. It was wonderful to watch her improve each week and to see just how much this experience truly meant to her.
As a superfan, I was so glad she got the chance to live out her dream and dance on the Strictly ballroom floor. A worthy competitor if there ever was, and she should be incredibly proud of everything she achieved.
So, let’s get into it. As usual, I’ll go through the couples in order of appearance.
Balvinder Sopal
Salsa (9)
What a great opener to the show. She looked fantastic in her brightly coloured costume. Her hip movement was strong, and she really brought the party vibe to the dance floor. Mix all of that with Gloria Estefan’s music, which I absolutely love, and you have a brilliant combination. She comes across so confident, such a development from where she started to where she is now.
Waltz (9)
I really do love Balvinder, our Strictly superfan. She has truly blossomed into a beautiful dancer. The routine was effortless and so graceful. I loved the softness she brought throughout the dance, and her bond with Julian was clear for all to see. A beautiful performance.
Amber Davies
Tango (9)
What a dramatic dance. The intensity throughout was incredible, and the lines they hit looked almost statuesque. She really embraced this routine, and you could clearly see her drive as she travelled across the floor. After being in the dance off last week, Amber truly attacked this performance.
Couples Choice (10)
What a performance. This one felt truly special and looked like it belonged on a West End stage. She was so glamorous throughout. I loved the lifts and tricks woven into the routine, all of which looked completely effortless. I think this is peak Amber, a true performer. Brilliant.
Karen Carney
Waltz (10)
Beautiful. I love the connection between these two, and it really shines through in the dancing they produce. She was so elegant and graceful, and it all felt effortless and floaty. She has come such a long way from where she started, and it truly brought a twinkle to my eye. This is Strictly.
Salsa (10)
This was a very fun take on the salsa, packed full of choreography. I loved her energy in this dance as she gave it her all. Her stamina was amazing and she did not waver at all. She really brought the salsa vibe to the Strictly dance floor. The arm choreography was great and she nailed it. Excellent.
George Clarke
Samba (9)
I love this. There is nothing better than a little costume reveal, and this one truly delivered. The dance had fantastic energy, and you could really tell George was enjoying himself. He showed great hip action and the classic samba bounce. I loved the Spanish theme, which gave a little Passo flair, and its cheesiness was perfectly balanced without going over the top.
Charleston (9)
The Inbetweeners, what a throwback! I thought this was a really cheeky and fun performance. There were so many amazing lifts in this dance, which are just as challenging for the male dancer in the pair. I loved the theme, and he really embraced his role, assuming it was Will, glasses and briefcase in hand.
So now we have our final three for the Strictly Come Dancing final 2025: George, Amber and Karen. All the hard work over the past few months comes down to this show. At this point, I really cannot call who the winner will be, and that makes for an exciting final. All three, coming from completely different backgrounds, have come together to fight for the legendary Mirrorball. Let’s see who will be victorious.
It is also going to be the last show we see the beautiful and hilarious pairing of Tess and Claudia. Like many fans, I believe this duo is truly Strictly. When Bruce stepped down from his position, we all wondered who could take up the mantle and bring the magic the role truly needs, and I think Claudia was a brilliant fit. I cannot imagine the show without them both, and I have a feeling this one is going to be an emotional one.
Who do you think will win the Mirrorball? Do you have a favourite dance of the season? Let us know in the comments below.
Keep dancing,
Catherine
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