The Glittering Gauntlet: Strictly's Week 7 Showdown Approaches!

Well, here we are again, hasn't the time flown? Just when we'd settled back down after all the ghoulish glitter of Halloween Week, Strictly Come Dancing is back, baby, and honestly, the stakes feel higher than ever as we sashay into Week 7. It’s that pivotal point in the competition, you know, where the pack really starts to separate, and every single step counts for, well, everything.

And let's not forget last week's emotional farewell, a tough one indeed. We had to wave goodbye to the ever-charming Adam Thomas and his wonderful partner Luba Mushtuk. Their departure served as a stark, sparkly reminder of just how fleeting this journey can be. So, with that in mind, our remaining couples are truly pulling out all the stops, aiming to dazzle judges Shirley, Motsi, Craig, and Anton – and, of course, us watching avidly from our sofas.

So, what’s on the menu for this weekend’s dance-off? Oh, it’s a delectable mix, brimming with potential showstoppers! Let’s dive right into the magic, shall we?

First up, the ageless wonder, Angela Rippon, will be gliding across the floor with Kai Widdrington, bringing us a Charleston. And the song? None other than Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s utterly iconic ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’. Honestly, that pairing just screams fun, doesn't it? Then we have Angela Scanlon and her partner Carlos Gu, ready to inject some serious rhythm into a Samba. Their weapon of choice? Chaka Khan’s timeless ‘Ain’t Nobody’. You can practically feel the heat from here.

Meanwhile, our young heartthrob, Bobby Brazier, alongside Dianne Buswell, is set to tackle the sprightly Quickstep. And for this classic, they've picked Bobby Darin's enduring hit, ‘Mack the Knife’. It’s a bold choice, and you have to wonder if it'll deliver that necessary crispness. Then there's Ellie Leach, paired with Vito Coppola, who are taking on the graceful American Smooth. Their musical accompaniment will be the beautiful ‘Beauty and the Beast’ – a tune that always evokes a certain kind of magic, wouldn't you agree?

Moving on, Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Lauren Oakley are bringing us a Couple's Choice, and prepare for a poignant moment, I think. They’ve chosen Elton John’s incredibly moving ‘Candle in the Wind’. It’s an ambitious pick for such a personal dance. Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin, never ones to shy from drama, are bringing a Tango to Olivia Rodrigo's contemporary hit, ‘Vampire’. That's going to be intense, I predict. And, of course, Nigel Harman with Katya Jones will be delivering a Foxtrot. Their song, James Brown’s powerful ‘It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World’, suggests a performance of real gravitas. Lastly, but certainly not least, Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe are also opting for a Couple’s Choice, dancing to Birdy’s beautiful track, ‘Wings’. It promises to be a truly heartfelt piece.

Honestly, every single pairing this week feels like it has the potential to be a standout. From the vivacious Charleston to the emotionally charged Couple's Choices, and yes, the sheer technicality of a Quickstep or a Tango – it's all there for the taking. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will, of course, be our fabulous ringmasters for the evening, guiding us through all the glitz, glamour, and perhaps, a few more tears. It's going to be quite the show, isn't it? Don't miss it!