Strictly Come Dancing’s Week 4 was very high drama and it was thanks to a very savage score from Shirley Ballas.
In the biggest shock of the weekend, Shirley stunned viewers when she marked La Voix and dance partner Aljaz Škorjanec a measly 2 for their Cha-cha-cha.
Before picking up her paddle, Shirley even told the pair she was unable to offer them any advice, saying: “I wouldn’t be able to judge this at all.”
She added: “You never got off to a good start from the beginning. You just had one of those days. But we love you, you can come back strong from this.”
Yet in the very same show, the Latin queen awarded actress Alex Kingston a 10 for her Rumba with Johannes Redebe. Shirley even got out of her seat to give a stunned Alex a kiss and hug.
We’re not saying Alex didn’t deserve a 10 for her Rumba. It was sensational, she did. But those scores seem polar opposite for Week 4 in the competition!
La Voix messed up her steps a bit but she picked it back up again. Did she really deserve a 2? Seems pretty unfair to us.
Ahead of the Sunday Results show, Shirley shrugged it off. She wrote on Instagram: “Walking into Week 4 results probably the only judge in 23 years to give a 2 and a 10 in the same show.”
Yes, exactly, Shirl….
Vicky Pattison’s Strictly wardrobe mishap
Strictly Week 4 both gave and took for Vicky Pattison. The Geordie reality star was told by the judges that she is getting more improved each and every week and she escaped the dance off. A win!
But unfortunately, while jumping up and down with excitement in the Clauditorium, Vicky almost fell out of her dress. A loss! Thankfully, she grabbed her top and leaned into dance partner Kai Widdrington to avoid any further blushes.
Ellie Goldstein had viewers on their feet with her Couples’ Choice with Vito Coppola. The model and actress danced to KPop Demon Hunters’ Golden and brought the house down. They got a 7 from Craig Revel Horwood and 8s from Motsi Mabuse, Shirley and Anton Du Beke.
It was a shame not to see a 9 for Ellie, or even a 10. But nevertheless, she finished the show fourth from top of the leaderboard.
Elsewhere, Amber Davies performed an Argentinian Tango with Nikita Kuzmin. They scored a respectable 33, but viewers also felt they were under-marked.
And while we’re at it, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer’s marks seemed a little off, too. They performed a Rumba and the chemistry was SIZZLING. Yet they only got a 6 from Craig and Shirley each and 7s from Motsi and Anton.
What was going on with that panel?
Craig’s first time as head judge
The BBC has switched up the rules for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing dance-off. This year, all the judges are taking it in turns to be head judge.
It was Craig’s turn to be given the deciding vote if it went to a tie-breaker. And guess what? In Week 4 it did.
Rugby star Chris Robshaw found himself in the dance-off with EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal. They had both been in the position before, so it was disappointing for them.
We actually think Balvinda’s Paso Doble was far better than Chris’ Salsa (no shade intended, Chris), but not all the judges agreed. Motsi voted to save Balvinder and Julian Caillon. But Shirley and Anton picked to save Chris and Nadia Bychkova.
Cue Craig… He chose to send Chris and Nadia home. Was he relishing in the power? Maybe, although we think he made the right decision. Do you?
When is Strictly on next?
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One at 6.20pm on Saturday October 25, 2025. Week 5 is Icons Week. This means the remaining contestants will be able to channel their favourite musical icons on the dance floor.
Strictly Come Dancing: The Results will see another dance-off and another celebrity and their partner sent home. It starts at 7.15pm on BBC One on Sunday October 26.
Read more: Strictly Come Dancing 2025: All the Icons Week singers and who is top of the leaderboard
