Hold onto your glitter balls, because this week's Strictly Come Dancing just got a whole lot more emotional—and a little cheeky. Icons Week brought the sparkle, but it was La Voix's bold quip about Tess Daly's impending exit that stole the show. And this is the part most people miss: amidst the glitz and glamour, the show subtly navigated the bittersweet farewell of its beloved hosts, Tess and Claudia.
The episode kicked off with a heartfelt message from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who earlier announced their departure from the series. While the duo kept mentions of their exit to a minimum, their emotional thank-you to fans for the outpouring of support set the tone for a night filled with nostalgia and celebration. But here's where it gets controversial: as the show pressed on, La Voix, the Drag Race sensation, couldn't resist a playful jab at Tess, quipping, 'Oh Tess, you're still here!'—a cheeky nod to the host's upcoming departure. Tess, ever the pro, laughed it off with a simple, 'I'm still here.'
La Voix and her partner, Aljaž Škorjanec, closed the show with a fiery salsa to Cher's 1998 anthem Strong Enough, earning a score of 28—a significant leap from their previous week's 14. This placed them just ahead of George Clarke and Alexis Warr on the leaderboard. Meanwhile, Lewis Cope topped the charts with 34 points, followed closely by Vicky Pattinson and Amber Davies, both scoring 33. But here’s the real question: did La Voix's cheeky humor steal the spotlight from the performances, or was it the perfect way to lighten the mood during an emotional week?
Icons Week didn’t disappoint, with couples paying homage to musical legends like Prince, Ariana Grande, and Cher. Yet, amidst the dazzling routines, the underlying sentiment of Tess and Claudia’s departure lingered. They reminded viewers there were still eight weeks left to crown a new Strictly champion, but their absence will undoubtedly leave big shoes to fill. Is this the end of an era, or just the beginning of a new chapter for Strictly?
Now, it’s your turn to decide. As the viewer votes roll in, which couples will face the dreaded dance-off on Sunday night? And more importantly, how will the show evolve without its iconic hosting duo? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’re all ears (and sequins).
Catch Strictly Come Dancing on BBC One and iPlayer this Sunday at 7:15 pm. And while you’re at it, add it to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app for daily TV recommendations and more. For a deeper dive into the drama, check out our Entertainment coverage, TV Guide, and Streaming Guide, or tune into The Radio Times Podcast for expert reviews and insights.
