Key Highlights
- The fifth week of the 2025 season of “Strictly Come Dancing” saw a divided judging panel with scores ranging from 27 to 34.
- Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope received the highest score of 34 for his quickstep to “Ring of Fire.”
- Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe’s foxtrot to a Dolly Parton tribute earned them an impressive score of 32.
- Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer received the lowest score of 30 for their Argentine tango, causing debate among judges.
The Icons Week Showdown: Strictly Come Dancing Scores Reveal
In a week marked by tributes to iconic artists, “Strictly Come Dancing” contestants showcased their skills in performances dedicated to Prince, Beyoncé, Cher, and Dolly Parton. The fifth week of the 2025 season saw the judges split on numerous dances, leading to scores that ranged from a high of 34 to a low of 27.
Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope opened the show with a quickstep set to Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire,” earning him the top score of 34. This performance highlighted his dance abilities and showcased his commitment to the competition, leaving both judges and viewers impressed.
Divided Judging Panel for Tributes
The week’s tributes were not without controversy. Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe’s foxtrot to a Dolly Parton tribute was awarded 32 points by the judges. This score, while commendable, did not meet the full expectations of the judges, who appeared divided during their comments.
Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison and her partner Kai Widdrington also impressed with their dance to “Fight for This Love” by Cheryl Cole, earning a score of 33. Their performance was well-received by the judges, indicating that they are making significant progress in the competition.
Argentine Tango Debate
The Argentine tango performed by Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer to “Caught Up” by Usher caused considerable debate among the judges. Their score of 30 was met with varying opinions, as judges awarded scores ranging from nine to six. This performance highlighted the complexity of the Argentine tango and the challenges it presents to the dancers.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink also received a personal best score of 30 for his American Smooth dance with Lauren Oakley to “Purple Rain” by Prince. This performance not only impressed the judges but also demonstrated Hasselbaink’s growth as a dancer throughout the season.
Consistent Scores and Surprises
The most consistent score of 28 was awarded to four couples: Karen Carney and Carlos Gu, Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola, Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon, and La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec. This high consistency in scores indicates that these pairs are performing with a steady level of skill.
In a surprising turn, series YouTuber George Clarke, who was considered an early favorite to win the competition, received just 27 points for his jive dance to “As It Was” by Harry Styles. This score left him at the bottom of the leaderboard and highlighted the unpredictable nature of the competition.
Behind-the-Scenes Developments
The week also brought some behind-the-scenes changes. Last week, rugby player Chris Robshaw was eliminated along with his partner Nadiya Bychkova. Additionally, Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis announced on 20 October that he would be withdrawing from the series due to a torn calf muscle suffered during the previous episode.
This unexpected exit adds another layer of drama to the competition.
The week concluded with the hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announcing their unexpected departure from the show, further adding to the unpredictable nature of “Strictly Come Dancing.”
As the season progresses, viewers can expect more surprises and skilled performances. The competition remains fierce, and the judges continue to challenge contestants in various dance styles.
