The glittering ballroom of Strictly Come Dancing was alive again this Saturday as week seven kicked off with fan-favorite routines and plenty of tension.
The pressure was particularly high for Lewis Cope and his professional partner Katya Jones, who had scored a perfect 40 points for their Couple’s Choice dance last weekend.
Taking to the floor first, the pair performed a sizzling cha-cha-chá to Pete Rodrigue’s I Like It Like That.
The judges’ scores reflected the high stakes: Craig Revel Horwood gave an eight, while the others awarded nines, totalling 35 points for the dance.
Despite the slightly lower score, Lewis and Katya’s chemistry and precision kept viewers glued to the screen.
Fast Feet and Flawless Moves
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu brought their own energy with a Charleston set to Diana Ross and Aretha Franklin hits, Upside Down and Think.
Shirley Ballas praised the performance as “fantastic,” though she and Craig noted a few minor missteps in Karen’s swivel technique.
Their efforts earned them a respectable 35 points, keeping them in contention.
Meanwhile, Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe’s Paso Doble to Jamie Texidor’s Amparito Roca was an emotional highlight.
Alex’s raw reaction to the intensity of the dance struck a chord with viewers, though the judges scored them 30 points, leaving room for improvement in the weeks ahead.
Behind-the-Scenes Drama Emerges
The show, however, found itself embroiled in controversy once again.
Insiders report that a 12-second video allegedly showing a married contestant passionately kissing a female professional dancer at Elstree Studios has surfaced on WhatsApp.
Sources claim the brief moment, captured by a production team member, has been circulating privately and could have serious repercussions if it reaches the public.
A TV insider told The Sun the video “could destroy the long-standing marriage to his adorable and kind wife” and damage the contestant’s carefully maintained family-friendly image.
Scandals Haunt the Ballroom
Strictly Come Dancing has not been immune to turmoil in recent months.
The show has faced criticism over the quality of celebrity participants, ongoing sex scandals, an internal drugs investigation, and multiple allegations of bullying and abuse by professional dancers.
The latest reported incident only adds to the pressure on BBC executives, who have been attempting to maintain the show’s reputation as a safe, entertaining space.
Representatives for Strictly declined to comment when contacted, leaving fans and media outlets to speculate on the potential fallout.
The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever
For a show known for romance rumors and intense competition, the latest controversy could mark a turning point.
TV insiders suggest that if the video emerges publicly, it could create a PR nightmare for both the network and the stars involved, potentially shaking the very foundation of the beloved series.
As Strictly continues through the season, viewers can expect dazzling performances, fierce competition, and — inevitably — more drama behind the scenes.