Strictly Come Dancing dazzled viewers with the much-anticipated Movie Week special this Saturday. The hosts Tess Daly, 55, stepped out in a twinkling blue jumpsuit, while Claudia Winkleman, 52, caught eyes with her red lace jumpsuit number.
While fans lavished praise on their evening attire, some were perplexed over the pair’s decision not to wear movie character costumes like the pros, celebrities, and judges did. Voicing their thoughts on Twitter, one viewer commented: “Does anyone think that Tess and Claudia should have dressed in characters for movie week? #Strictly” and another shared: “Why do Tess and Claudia never dress up for movie week? #SCD #Strictly.”
Yet, it seems Claudia offered a witty retort by posting a picture alongside judge Anton Du Beke, who channelled Zoolander for the show, captioning: “Zoolander and Kris Jenner. Strictly is on at 625 xx.”
Fans didn’t miss a beat responding to Claudia’s post, with comments such as: “Love this red jumpsuit it’s totally gorgeous”, “Loving that red on you”, “Fab-u-lous darling! The red cat suit is amazing” and “Your best outfit EVER! Where’s it from? ! “.
For the themed episode, the professional dancers morphed into characters from the Despicable Me franchise. Kai Widdrington took on the role of Gru, the grumpy former villain and protagonist of the film series, while his fellow professionals slipped into yellow bodysuits to imitate the tiny minions, reports the Mirror.
The episode saw the professional dancers and their celebrity partners perform routines inspired by various films, complete with costumes. Amy Dowden and JLS’s JB Gill danced the American smooth to Pure Imagination from Wonka, while comedian Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell jived to the Wayne’s World Theme.
Elsewhere, Olympian Montell Douglas tangoed with Johannes Radebe to One Night Only from Dreamgirls, and Morning Live’s Dr Punam Krishan and Gorka Marquez performed their couple’s choice to Bole Chudiyan from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Former hockey player Sam Queck and Nikita Kuzmin executed the paso doble to Elevation from Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, while Miranda star Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola Viennese waltzed to Hedwig’s Theme from the Harry Potter series.
Singer Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones sambaed to Poor Unfortunate Souls from The Little Mermaid, with Love Island star Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec performing a rumba to What Was I Made For?
by Billie Eilish from the Barbie movie.
EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick and his dance partner Michelle Tsiakkas are set to quickstep to Sir Elton John’s ‘I’m Still Standing’ from the biopic Rocketman, while former Arsenal footballer Paul Merson and Karen Hauer will cha cha to the theme of The Magnificent Seven. Reality TV personality Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal are preparing to samba to the George Of The Jungle theme, and singer Shayne Ward alongside Nancy Xu will Viennese waltz to ‘If I Can Dream’ from Elvis.
Also taking to the dance floor will be Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans and Katya Jones, who are gearing up to cha cha to ‘Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag’ from Mrs Doubtfire.
However, in a turn of unfortunate events, DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles and his dance partner Luba Mushtuk were scheduled to perform the Charleston to ‘Rain On The Roof’ from Paddington 2 before Nick had to withdraw on Friday due to an injury. According to Strictly rules, the duo will “receive a bye” through to next week’s show, with hopes that Nick will be fit to return.
This news follows last weekend’s departure when Olympian Tom Dean and his dance partner Nadiya Bychkova became the first couple to be voted off the competition.