Strictly Come Dancing: week three – as it happened

9.18pm BST

Thank you and a glittery goodnight - for now

That concludes Saturday’s filmic-themed liveblog but like any movie hit, there will be a sequel. Meet you back here for the results show, which airs at 7.15pm Sunday on BBC1 . I’ll bang the clapperboard on the blog at 6.45pm for build-up , so I hope you’ll rejoin me then. In the meantime, I’m @michaelhogan on Twitter, so do rumba-walk over and say hi.

Thanks for watching along with me and your cracking company. See you for the franchise continuation tomorrow. Liveblog 2: Pig In The City or Liveblog 2: Electric Boogaloo, perhaps. In the meantime, the usual applies: keeeeeep dancing! Goodnight.

9.17pm BST

Finally, some thoughts on the judges. G1adys says: “Was that really necessary, Shirley? Somebody take that bag off her. We don’t need a repeat performance of that.”

Jennifera030 says: “Not the return of Shirley’s tiny shoes! I’ve only just started sleeping with the lights off.”

MartGray adds: “I wish Anton would pack it in with Demo Time. And give Gorka his trousers back.”

9.16pm BST

On Jamie Borthwick ’s show-closing quickstep, ReclinedPotato says: “I know Jamie is meant to be Elton but I’m getting major Verka Serduchka vibes (Ukrainian drag queen with a star head piece from Eurovision).
Still. wigs are expensive. I suppose.”

whistledownthewind says: “Thank goodness he’s supposed to be Elton John. I thought he was dressed as Su Pollard.”

MsChuffy says: “Hold me closer, tidy dancer.”

RegWhelk adds: “Jamie is off the beat and fairly rubbish and gets 30, puzzling.”

9.14pm BST

Of Punam Krishan ’s Couples Choice, TeeDubyaBee says: “Amazing! More Bollywood, Strictly.”

Petebail adds: Usually can’t stand Couple’s Choice but that was fantastic. Dance of the night.”

Updated at 9.32pm BST

9.12pm BST

Of Wynne Evans , YodaknowsAll says: “I’m willing to forgive Wynne his lack of hip movement as his legs and feet in that cha cha were tremendous.”

jagadox adds: “Wynne is a big surprise. I thought he’d be rubbish but funny but he can actually move. Even in a skirt.”

9.10pm BST

Whistledownthewind says: “A good dance from Shayne Ward I thought. Pity the wig made him look more like Liberace than Elvis though!”

9.07pm BST

On Paul Merson ’s cowboy cha cha, Strictlylounging says: “I’ve changed my mind about Paul. I think he’s genuinely trying and actually cares about improving. Good effort!”

wtrukus says: The frustrating thing is that I think Paul can sort of dance for an old footballer. I mean there’s stuff to work with there, if they didn’t spend so much time on the comic element.

Jennifera030 adds: “Karen has actually got Paul to wake up and attempt to dance. Not successful but she really deserves a bonus.”

9.06pm BST

On Sarah Hadland ’s Harry Potter number, FloraBelle says: I absolutely think Maggie Smith would have approved of that vamped-up Professor McGonagall dress.”

MartGray adds: “Just magical, so elegant. The schoolteacher capes added excellent flow, the music was tremendous, the lighting and FX great.”

9.04pm BST

On JB Gill, Mike Moonlight says: “I’m probably not the only one who’s disappointed that they didn’t try to recreate the Glasgow Wonka Experience with the sad Oompa Loompa standing behind what looked like a crystal meth factory, handing out one jellybean to sobbing children.”

On Pete Wicks , YodaknowsAll says: “The shock and joy on Pete’s face on receiving those scores was so sweet. He is this year’s Krishnan, falling in love with dance and Strictly.”

Hanlouliv adds: “That seems like a generous score for Pete but given the terrible song and costume he was lumbered with, I don’t begrudge it!”

9.00pm BST

On Chris McCausland, MarkRoche says: “So impressed with how Dianne is able to teach such choreography and to Chris for being able to translate that into performance.”

ReclinedPotato adds: “When Chris dances I just get incredibly happy. I think he could do a Bill Bailey and win the whole shebang. I hope he does.”

8.58pm BST

On leaderboard-topping Tasha Ghouri , Petebail says: “Might as well give Tasha a bye to the final now.”

Somersetlass adds: “I rather loved that rumba. There was some great flow and I have nothing but admiration for Tasha’s ability to move so fluidly in those heels!”

8.56pm BST

On Toyah Willcox ’s samba, ButterflyBlu says: “I thought Toyah’s husband was spoiling for a fight there! Can’t these celebrities take criticism of any kind?!”

LazyMillennial says: “Lmao at Craig and the Frippster.”

FascinatingFlamenco adds: “Toyah would be GREAT in pantomime!”

8.54pm BST

On Montell Douglas ’ tango, MartGray says: “Montell looks stiff and lost. Doesn’t seem much like a tango. And of course, awful song choice.”

FascinatingFlamenco adds: “Love Montell but thought she was too strong and tough dominant in this dance. Was she leading in places? I so understand wanting to push your best, but in this dance a little less power would have worked better.”

8.53pm BST

About the show-opening Minions mayhem, Joanieloves says: “I am already freaked out by the make-up and costumes. More Nosferatu than Gru.

Gardener_Maidhc adds: “I think I might hate everything about a Minions themed opening pro dance, from the disturbing Gru costume on Kai (how old?) to the bad yellow face paint and body suits and the lack of nice ballroom dancing in favour of prancing in time.”

8.50pm BST

Readers’ verdicts are in

A rapid-fire round-up of your comments. Of Sicknote Knowles’ absence, G1adys says: “Doesn’t bode well for Nick if he’s injured again. Feels like he may be doomed. I hope this is the last of his problems.”

RegWhelk adds: “Can’t believe Nick’s not with us for this show. Life seems empty without him.”

8.49pm BST

Strictly come quizzing

TV viewers can now flip to Kirsty MacColl Night on BBC2 or stay on BBC1 for a duos-themed edition of The Weakest Link - including showbiz couple Tyler West and Molly Rainford , who met when they were Strictly castmates two years ago. Aww.

If Movie Week has put you in the mood for a film, at 9pm you can choose from Spectre on ITV2+1, Prey on Channel 4, A Few Good Men on Film4 or Margrete: Queen Of The North on BBC4. At 10.30pm, The Terminator is on ITV4 and at 11.20pm, underrated rave comedy Go is on Comedy Central.

8.48pm BST

Golden Glitterballs: Movie Week Edition

Who needs those piffling Academy Awards when they could win one of our coveted liveblog baubles? Here are this week’s celluloid-style gong-getters…

Best dance: Despite what the scoreboard says, either Sarah Hadland’s Maggie Smith tribute or Punam’s Bollywood landmark.

Worst dance: Toyah Willcox’s non-samba samba by a country mile.

Best music choice: Harry Potter and Mrs Doubtfire worked a treat, while I’ve got a soppy soft spot for Pure Imagination.

Worst music choice: George Of The Jungle or Wayne’s World. Both shoutathons.

Best outfit: Sarah Hadland-as-Professor McGonagall’s spellbinding green gown.

Worst outfit: Pete Wicks’ leopard print loincloth. Judges Anton and Motsi weren’t done any wardrobe favours, though.

Best judges’ comment: Shirley casually namedropping that she was judging the World Championships at the Royal Albert Hall this week. Clang!

Worst VT: The sweet-making and the climbing wall were both a bit after-school club.

Best Claudia quip: Roping in “young person” Montell to help her out with the socials, before adding “I love you, don’t leave me”.

8.38pm BST

Movie Week leaderboard

Tasha Ghouri tops the standings, with Punam Krishan , Sarah Hadland and Shayne Ward just one point behind. Toyah Willcox is way down at the bottom, with Paul Merson just above.

As always, though the viewer vote will play its part in tomorrow night’s dance-off. It could be squeaky bum time for Pete Wicks and Montell Douglas too.

8.37pm BST

Credits roll

“Keeeeeep dancing,” chorus Tess and Claud, according to tradition. As the facepaint is wiped off and the props wheeled back into Tess Daly’s broom cupboard, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.

8.34pm BST

Tonight’s routines get recapped on-screen. Which Oscar-worthy performance are you voting for? Which box office stinker are you definitely not?

8.34pm BST

And the voting lines are… open!

Cue fancy-dressed anarchy in the Clauditorium and behind the judges’ table, complete with endearingly rubbish dinosaur puppet. Nikita hoists Claudia aloft.

8.33pm BST

Judges’ scores for Jamie and Michelle: 8, 8, 7, 7 for a total of 30 points. His best yet, mid-table on a high-scoring night.

8.31pm BST

Judges’ comments for Jamie and Michelle: Anton says “you’re a super dancer, you could be one of the favourites but a bit in and out, floppy and lacking consistency”. Craig says “some gapping but flow and natural rhythm, stamina, energy, loved it”. Motsi says “gave it 100%, feathers made it untidy, get back the neatness an the glitterball is close”. Shirley concludes “lots of potential, keep working on feet and posture but good job”. Eights for Elts?

8.29pm BST

Jamie and Michelle’s quickstep

The EastEnders actor won the Christmas special with a quickstep, so he should have a head-start here. Jamie Borthwick is in a great Elton John costume, complete with feathered top and signature specs, with pro partner Michelle Tsiakkas in a matching feathered dress. This one is more complicated and technically challenging than his festive number, upping the ante for the main show. Fast and light on his feet, jumping and leaping across the floor. High-energy skips and Charleston steps. Lacks a little Rolls Royce smoothness in places but great side-by-side section and plentiful changes of pace.

Song: I’m Still Standing from Rocketman. The video for Elton’s 1983 hit was choreographed by one former Strictly judge, Arlene Phillips - and one of the dancers was another, Bruno Tonioli.

Updated at 9.37pm BST

8.25pm BST

Judges’ scores for Punam and Gorka: 8, 9, 8, 8 for a total of 33 points. Her best by far and joint second on the scoreboard. Punam proudly dedicates it to her late grandfather, who passed away during the pandemic.

Updated at 9.30pm BST

8.24pm BST

Judges’ comments for Punam and Gorka: Craig says “incredible, full of changing rhythms and loved all the shaping”. Motsi says “that really moved me, wonderful to see that on Strictly, it went so deep, brilliant energy”. Shirley says “supercalafragilisticexpyalidocius” (excuse the spelling, Poppins posse). Anton concludes “you lived it, great musicality, your best by far”. Eights and nines?

Updated at 8.27pm BST

8.21pm BST

Punam and Gorka’s Couple’s Choice

First Couple’s Choice of the series now - and Strictly’s first ever Bollywood routine from a couple. Dr Punam Krishan is understandably excited about this milestone moment of representation for the South Asian community. A poignant, tearful pre-dance VT. Lovely costumes with lots of delicate lace detail in her skirt and bodice. Great floor projection too. It’s a fun and playful routine. Punam is palpably enjoying herself and it’s infectious. Makes a bracing change from contempo-waft Couple’s Choices. Scarf-ography, spins and lifts, changes of pace, strong finish. Bravo.

Song: Bole Chudiyan from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Punam describes the 2001 blockbuster as “the Love Actually of Bollywood” - a romantic, feelgood family saga which is widely nicknamed “K3G”.

Updated at 8.26pm BST

8.16pm BST

Judges’ scores for Wynne and Katya: 7, 7, 8, 8 for a total of 30 points. Scrapes into the top five so far.

Updated at 9.29pm BST

8.14pm BST

Judges’ comments for Wynne and Katya: Motsi says “excellent choreography, Katya, great feet, needed more hips and body action but brilliant”. Shirley says “appreciated the poly-rhythms, lovely foot position, embrace those difficult details”. Anton says “Movie Week magic, exceptional, enjoyed the show”. Craig concludes “hip action let it down, wooden and stiff, but this is a look you could go to the supermarket in”. “These are all my own chins,” quips Wynne.

Updated at 9.28pm BST

8.10pm BST

Wynne and Katya’s cha cha cha

Opera singer Wynne Jones has been a revelation, skilfully guided by taskmaster pro Katya Jones. Now he’s back to Latin, playing Robin Williams’ dad-in-diguise. Wearing a skirt to show off his leg action, Wynne is clearly enjoying the characterisation. Vacuum cleaner-ography. Swishing his skirt and showing off his frilly bloomers. Good footwork, timing and content. High-energy and entertainment value. Well done, dear.

Song: Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag from Mrs Doubtfire. The 1965 James Brown funk classic was his first Top 10 hit. Talking of bags, Robin Williams once described his Mrs Doubtfire bodysuit as “like a walking beanbag chair”.

Updated at 8.14pm BST

8.06pm BST

Judges’ scores for Shayne and Nancy: 8, 9, 8, 8 for a total of 33 points. His best yet and joint second so far.

8.04pm BST

Judges’ comments for Shayne and Nancy: Anton says “The King would’ve loved that” then demonstrates a correct arm position. Craig says “absolutely loved it, total natural, gorgeous”. Motsi says “best male tonight, well done”. Shirley concludes “great awareness, you were in your zone”. Eights, maybe a nine?

8.02pm BST

Shayne and Nancy’s Viennese waltz

Craig tipped “Shancy” as ones to watch after last week’s impressive tango. Can they fulfil that promise? Shayne Ward is a huge Elvis fan, so is relishing donning the quiff and sideburns. Long, stylish solo section to start before they start spinning and twirling around the floor. Gets a little hesitant in hold but fleckerls and contra checks as they change direction. Spectacular floor spin. Drama and mood on-point. Shayne’s dance has now left the building.

Song: If I Can Dream from Elvis. Presley’s 1968 hit was based on Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have A Dream” speech, shortly after his assassination. Brilliantly, football manager Terry Venables charted with a cover version in 2010.

Updated at 8.04pm BST

7.58pm BST

Judges’ scores for Sam and Nikita: 7, 8, 7, 8 for a total of 30 points. Her best by far. Of training, Sam says: “People at home are working properly hard – builders, nurses, teachers – so we can’t complain.” Well said.

Updated at 9.27pm BST

7.56pm BST

Judges’ comments for Sam and Nikita: Craig says “legs too straight, looked stiff but strong and hot, hot, hot”. Motsi says “another new flavour, kept character, intensity, loved that”. Shirley says “in and out for me, soften knees, keep fluidity but strong connection”. Anton concludes “you say stiff, I say strong, wonderful lines, your best yet”. Sixes and sevens?

Updated at 9.27pm BST

7.53pm BST

Sam and Nikita’s paso doble

Sam Quek admits that she struggled with last week’s jolly hockeysticks Charleston, although she finished in respectable mid-table. She says this week’s paso has proved equally tricky to master, although she should be at home portraying Lara Croft - Sam’s been to not one but two fancy dress parties as her before. She’s been criticised for a lack of synchronisation, so needs nail the timing as well as technique. Some lovely detail and bold choreography. Powerful, imperious and fiery but a little flat-footed and lacking curved Spanish line.

Song: Elevation from Tomb Raider. The video for U2’s Grammy-winning 2001 hit was shot on the New York street portion of the Universal Studios Tour.

7.49pm BST

Judges’ scores for JB and Amy: 7, 8, 8, 9 for a total of 32 points. His best yet. Third so far behind Sarah and Tasha.

7.48pm BST

JB gives out sweets to the judges before they mark him. Clever boy.

7.47pm BST

Judges’ comments for JB and Amy: Shirley says “great signs of a ballroom dancer, a few unsteady glitches but sincerity from the heart, full of heart”. Anton says “great narrative, perfect package, just take largest steps and stride out”. Craig says “lost flow in hold but a proper musical theatre number, you sold it, you’re a showman”. Motsi concludes “getting sweeter every week, great ear for music, just breathe”. Eights incoming?

7.44pm BST

JB and Amy’s American smooth

The last time they did ballroom, JB Gill and Amy Dowden topped the leaderboard. Can they repeat the trick and win a golden ticket through to next week? Or will they fall into the chocolate river? JB is channelling Timothée Chalamet in a top hat and frock coat. Foxtrot steps, lots of cheeky details and fluidity across the floor. Changes of pace. Amy’s been drilling the footwork and fundamentals (for Shirley) into him and it shows. Sweet and smooth as chocolate.

Song: Pure Imagination from Wonka. This tingly classic was written by composers Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley over the phone in a day.

Updated at 7.45pm BST

7.41pm BST

Judges’ scores for Pete and Jowita: 6, 6, 7, 7 for a total of 26 points. Generous but his best yet. “Hate the film, love the samba,” says Pete.

7.40pm BST

Judges’ comments for Pete and Jowita: Mosti says “wow, we told you to loosen up so I blame us, you went in and out of the music”. Shirley says “you’re unrecognisable, took risks, full of content, you’re improving and I commend you”. Anton says “a changed man, there were efforts at the samba, keep going”. Craig concludes “I’m still in recovery from the opening, darling, it lacked bounce and coordination, a trip hazard but your personal best”. Fives and sixes, do we say?

Updated at 9.26pm BST

7.36pm BST

Pete and Jowita’s samba

Pete Wicks is all hair and not much clothing as he plays Brendan Fraser’s Tarzan spoof. Leaf projections on floor for that jungle vibe. He swings in on a vine from the judges’ table (mind that tree, George/Pete!) before launching into a rhythmical Rio carnival dance. The hip action’s a bit wild, timing is off and timing is off but it’s bouncy, loose and showcasing his fun side. Partner Jowita Przystal might even have made the self-styled “grumpy git” smile. Oh, a stumble at the end where he almost tripped her up. Shame.

Song: George Of The Jungle Theme. John Cleese voiced the talking gorilla in the 1997 comedy. Well, he had another divorce to pay for.

7.33pm BST

Judges’ scores for Sarah and Vito: 8, 9, 8, 8 for a total of 33 points. Her first nine and second on the leaderboard at this stage.

Updated at 9.25pm BST

7.31pm BST

Judges’ comments for Sarah and Vito: Anton says “a few footwork problems but beautiful” before busting out an overlong demo time. Craig says “rise and fall crept in but fantastic, simple, effective, I loved it”. Motsi says “highlight of the night so far, nostalgic and brilliant”. Shirley raids her carpet bag, gets out her haunted child’s shoes and concludes “marvellous potential”. Eights ahoy?

7.26pm BST

Sarah and Vito’s Viennese waltz

The high-energy pairing of actor Sarah Hadland and reigning pro champion Vito Coppola finished second on the combined leaderboard last week. Can they maintain that standard with this Harry Potter-themed Viennese? She’s playing Professor McGonagall (Maggie Smith RIP). Lots of smooth spins, soft buttery knees, a mid-waltz wobble but full of class, character and elegance. Magical.

Song: Hedwig’s Theme from Harry Potter. The orchestral piece, composed by John Williams, has become the signature music of the wizarding franchise. Williams was knighted two years ago for services to film music. Considering his credits include Jaw, E.T and Star Wars, the accolade was well-deserved.

7.23pm BST

Judges’ scores for Paul and Karen: 3, 5, 5, 6 for a total of 19 points. His highest yet. Second bottom as it stands. Proud Ma Merse in the audience. “Mum, I played for Arsenal and England,” protests Paul.

Updated at 9.08pm BST

7.21pm BST

Judges’ comments for Paul and Karen: Shirley says “a jolly holiday, full of joy, some lovely walks, music hasn’t quite arrived in your hips but it’s getting there”. Karen says “made an effort at mastering the technique, on a good path, keep going”. Craig says “feet turned in throughout, hip action non-existent but made up for it in characterisation, I see improvement”. Motsi concludes “not just comedy, the final is close – or not”. Five hands high?

7.18pm BST

Paul and Karen’s cha cha cha

Paul Merson is bookies tip to appear in the dance-off against Toyah Willcox. Can he defy the odds with a wild west cha-cha? Ironically, he arrives on horseback - even though he lost all his money gambling on the gee-gees. He and Karen Hauer are sporting cowboy hats, tasseled chaps and neckerchiefs. A spot of lasso-ography. He’s unleashing his hips and having fun. It’s not there technically or timing-wise but much improved for me. Yee-hah. Although somehow I doubt that will score a magnificent seveeen!

Song: The Magnificent Seven Theme. A certain John Williams (sees Sarah and Vito’s Harry Potter number) played piano in the orchestra that recorded Elmer Bernstein’s score for the classic 1960 western.

7.14pm BST

Judges’ scores for Tasha and Aljaž: 8, 8, 9, 9 for a total of 34 points. One fewer than last week but still top of the pops.

Updated at 9.24pm BST

7.12pm BST

Judges’ comments for Tasha and Aljaž: Craig says “sticky transitions but my goodness, those legs, expressive arms, strong storytelling, ex-quisite”. Motsi says “you made it soft and light, great quality but move your pelvis”. Shirley says “moving, sensitive, clarity, off-the-charts”. Anton concludes “love your legs and lines, just loosen that back up”. Eights and nines again?

Updated at 9.23pm BST

7.08pm BST

Tasha and Aljaž’s rumba

Love Island alumna Tasha Ghouri and returning pro Aljaž Škorjanec topped last week’s combined leaderboard . Now she’s the first female celebrity this series to tackle the ever-tricky rumba. Barbie is lonely and Ken’s there to help her through it, so it’s a soft and vulnerable type of rumba rather than a saucily seductive one. Slow, slinky and swivelling. Controlled turns and spins. Lovely timing, arm extensions and leg action. Almost balletic rather than Latin at times. Good Barbie.

Song: What Was I Made For? from Barbie. Billie Eilish’s melancholic ballad won a Grammy, a Golden Globe and an Oscar. She directed the video herself.

Updated at 7.12pm BST

7.05pm BST

Judges’ scores for Chris and Dianne: 7, 7, 8, 8 for a total of 30 points. His best yet and top of the scores so far.

Updated at 9.22pm BST

7.02pm BST

Judges’ comments for Chris and Dianne: Standing ovation in the studio. Motsi says “I’m impressed, timing was spot-on but two tiny hesitations at the end”. Shirley says “unbelievable musicality, lovely footwork and very good jive action”. Anton says “marvellous and joyous”. Craig concludes “get up on your toes but packed full of rhythm, you can dance”. Seveeeens incoming?

Updated at 9.21pm BST

6.58pm BST

Chris and Dianne’s jive

Blind comedian Chris McCausland has been the story of the series so far. Now the metalhead is jiving to one of his favourite films, swapping last week’s foxtrotting elegance for high-energy rock mayhem. Chris and partner Dianne Buswell are in Wayne and Garth wigs, baseball caps and ripped jeans. It’s fast and relentless with kicks, flicks and tricks. Knee-slides, air guitar and headbanging. Solo sections which are all the more impressive. Lacks bounce, sharpness and retraction but ex-cellent! Schwing! Party on! We’re not worthy! Other catchphrases!

Song: Wayne’s World Theme by Mike Myers and Dana Carvey. The 1992 comedy remains the highest-grossing Saturday Night Live spin-off film. There have been 12, including The Blues Brothers.

6.55pm BST

Judges’ scores for Toyah and Neil: 3, 4, 4, 4 for a total of 15 points. Dance-off danger.

6.53pm BST

Judges’ comments for Toyah and Neil: Shirley says “powerful and in control, some nice content but got on the wrong foot”. Anton says “wonderful storytelling but a couple of mistakes”. Craig says “all a bit stuck in the mud, ploddy and floppy”. Robert Fripp stands up to boo him. Motsi concludes “upper half brilliant, lower half needed more”. Fours, do we think?

Updated at 6.55pm BST

6.50pm BST

Toyah and Neil’s samba

Last week’s rather lucky dance-off survivors will be looking to bounce back but haven’t got an easy dance to help them do so. Toyah Willcox is villainous sea witch Ursula, partnered by “Eel Jones”. Octo-prop to start, which her husband Robert Fripp won’t like – he has a phobia, of octopuses, apparently. It’s a slow, spiteful sort of samba, cheeky and hammy but not terribly recognisable as the Rio carnival dance. She’s fearless and committed but at the cost of technique. It’s a bit walky aroundy, flat-footed and lacking any bounce. Weird.

Song: Poor Unfortunate Souls from The Little Mermaid. It’s a burlesque-meets-Broadway number in which Ursula persuades Ariel to trade her voice for the chance to become human. Melissa McCarthy performed it in last year’s live-action film version.

Updated at 6.53pm BST

6.47pm BST

Drag queens on the Ts & Cs

Charra Tea and Zahirah Zapanta from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is our Clauditorum guest, reading out the voting small print. Start your engines, Strictly.

6.45pm BST

Judges’ scores for Montell and Jojo: 7, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 28 points. Two down on last week but solid.

6.43pm BST

Judges’ comments for Montell and Jojo: Anton says “strong tango, you have the makings of a wonderful ballroom dancer but you got a little tight around the shoulders”. Craig says “iffy head placement but good frame”. Motsi says “started off well, then hesitated, fire not fear, let go”. Shirley Poppins concludes “didn’t disappoint, beautiful frame but got locked up”. Sixes and sevens?

6.41pm BST

Montell and Jojo’s tango

Powerhouse couple Team Mojo are proving one of the surprise contenders this year. Can they maintain their top five form for a Tinseltown tango? Ex-Olympian Montell Douglas is going for gold in a glittery gown. She’s playing Beyoncé’s role as Deena the diva, based on Diana Ross, with Johannes Radebe donning a moustache for the Eddie Murphy role. It’s a dapper, dramatic tango, telling a story through dance. Can she stay connected to Johannes and close her feet nicely? Lacking some fire and snapping staccato. Footwork hesitant and some gapping. Not her best for me.

Song: One Night Only from Dreamgirls. A disco version of the soul ballad from the Broadway musical-turned-film. Danny Mac and Oti Mabuse also tangoed to it in the 2016 quarter-final, scoring a whopping 38 points.

6.36pm BST

Our Strictly stars™

Our couples emerge on the staircase. It’s fancy dress a-go-go. Barbie and Ken! Harry Potter people! Hats! Loincloths! Elderly Scottish housekeepers! Hello, dear!

6.34pm BST

Judges raid the drsssing-up box

Here come our paddle-raising panel of Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas. They’ve embraced the Movie Week theme and raised the BBC costume box. It’s like some sort of sex panto out there.

Finally, Shirley descends from the ceiling as Mary Poppins. Fundamentals, Shirl.

6.33pm BST

Frockwatch

Here come our Hollywood hosts with the mosts, so time for our weekly frock-off. Tess Daly is in a midnight blue sparkly jumpsuit. Claudia Winkleman is in a red lacy jumpsuit. Both look lovely but Tess wins.

6.32pm BST

Gru eventually succumbs to the happiness and joins in with his little yellow pals. Despicably good fun, firmly targeted at younger viewers.

6.32pm BST

It’s wacky, it’s colourful, it’s hyperactive. And frankly, it’s a bit cruise ship.

6.30pm BST

The pros go bananas

We open with the professional dancers performing the first of two filmic group numbers this weekend. This one’s a Minions - themed affair, choreographed by Lizzie Gough and Kieran Donovan .

Kai Widdrington has donned a bald cap to play grumpy Gru.

Updated at 6.37pm BST

6.29pm BST

Roll clapalong title sequence

Aww, look, it’s poor Tom Dean . Remember him? Tall swimmer fella? No? Hey, that’s showbiz.

6.29pm BST

Ah, textbook Claudia-and-Dave Arch punchline to finish.

Updated at 6.29pm BST

6.27pm BST

And we’re off!

Slightly belatedly, presumably due to being one couple down. Cue the traditional movie-themed VT.

6.24pm BST

Take your seats, switch off your phones and snog on the back row. We’re about to go over live to Elstree Studios …

6.22pm BST

Alan Carr’s Numberwang just wrapping up on BBC1 now. Hurry up, Spexy Beast, we’ve got themes to flog to within an inch of their lives.

6.20pm BST

We began the series with a gender-imbalanced field of six female celebrities and nine males. Blame the Great Unpleasantness. Tonight it’s a more even 6-to-7 split, since we’re two men down - Tom Dean was eliminated and Nick Knowles is injured.

With 13 dances instead of the scheduled 14, expect some frantic padding to fill the 135-minute running time. A mere five minutes until the glittery curtain comes up…

Updated at 6.41pm BST

6.15pm BST

Toyah tipped for exit (again)

Toyah Willcox is bookies’ strong favourite for the second elimination, priced at evens to depart the contest this weekend. Paul Merson is predicted to face her in the dance-off, followed by Pete Wicks and Punam Krishnan .

Nick Knowles would’ve been in the mix too until that late knee-knacked withdrawal. Just 10 minutes until that ba-ba-daa theme tune…

6.11pm BST

Saturday night at the movies

We’re promised an array of big screen delights tonight, taking in everything from The Magnificent Seven to The Minions , from The Little Mermaid to Lara Croft , from boy wizards to Scottish housekeepers .

It’s a veritable twinkle-toed multiplex. Just 15 minutes until sequin time…

6.07pm BST

Let’s play week 2 bingo

Tick them off when you spy them on-screen! Take a drink for each! Get the hiccups and use a variety of bizarre methods to cure them! Here’s your 10-point Movie Week spotter’s checklist for tonight:

• A celebrity unconvincingly claims that they’re paying tribute to their all-time favourite film

• Chronic overuse of the word “iconic”

• Chris McCausland makes a joke which Tess Daly doesn’t get

• Shirley Ballas thanks couples for “opening our show” and “closing our show”

• Anton Du Beke makes a misty-eyed reference to his Movie Week routines of yore

• Craig argues with Shirley, while Motsi sits in the middle looking awkward

• Corny, overlong movie-themed montage with Craig playing the villain

• Claudia Winkleman honks with laughter at a Wynne Evans witticism

• Judges have no idea how to mark Couple’s Choice so dish out random high scores

• Male celebrity distracts the judges with a bare chest or comedy wig

6.06pm BST

On your filmic dance cards

We’ll see the first Couple’s Choice of the series tonight. Too soon? There will also be two sambas, two cha chas and two Viennese waltzes.

Twenty minutes until the glitterball starts spinning…

5.59pm BST

Nick Knowles is knacked Knowles

He’s only just recovered from the bicep tear which reduced his training time last week. Now the DIY SOS host is crocked again.

Nick Knowles and his pro partner Luba Mushtuk won’t be dancing tonight after he sustained a knee injury yesterday’s dress rehearsal and being sent for an MRI by medics. As per Strictly rules, the couple will receive a bye through to next weekend, when hopefully he’ll be fit to dance again. If not, he’ll have to withdraw from the contest.

Unlucky Nick says he’s determined to be back next Saturday, even if it’s on glittery crutches. Somebody wrap him in cotton wool.

5.55pm BST

Lights, camera, ballroom action

Get ready to roll out the red carpet. Good evening and welcome to the first themed weekend of Strictly Come Dancing 2023 . I’m Michael, your usherette for tonight’s Movie Week live show. You are cordially invited to watch along with me as our couples perform silver screen-inspired dances. Yep, fancy dress is 100% guaranteed.

After last week’s first elimination - ta-ta, Tom Dean — tonight our 13 surviving pro-celebrity pairs take to the Elstree Studios ballroom floor once again. Yes, it’s 13 not 14 because Nick Knowles is out injured but hoping to be back next week. More on that in a moment.

Tomorrow, the second couple will leave the contest. No more of this “scores carried forward from last week” business now the series is into its stride. Tonight’s judgely marks will be combined with viewer votes, then the bottom two couples will hoof for survival on Sunday night. But who’ll join sunken Olympic swimmer Tom on the sparkly scrapheap?

It’s showtime at 6.25pm on BBC One . I’ll be liveblogging from 5.55pm , providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and sarky asides. So stock up on popcorn, nachos and over-priced pick ’n’ mix and I’ll see you on the sofa.

As always, I’d love to hear from you too. You can tweet me @michaelhogan, email me michael.hogan.freelance@guardian.co.uk and the comments section below is open for the usual ballroom “bantz”. I’ll swivel down there every now and again to gauge your reaction to the show. Don’t be shy about sharing your thoughts.

Hollywood and Bollywood are both coming to Borehamwood. Nearly time to staaaaaart cinematic dancing!