Strictly Come Dancing 2025: Full Line-Up, Shocking Eliminations, Leaderboard Drama and Final Stretch
Strictly Come Dancing 2025, the 23rd series, has captivated UK audiences with its mix of celebrity talent, pro dancer flair, and intense competition, as detailed in The Telegraph’s comprehensive guide published December 13, 2025. Hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman in their final season, the show features judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke, amid major BBC voting reforms and over a dozen eliminations or withdrawals. Leaders like Karen Carney and Amber Davies top week 10 leaderboards at 80 points each, while recent shock exits like Lewis Cope’s have sparked fan backlash and judge tears.
The season, underway since September, showcases diverse contestants from actors to Olympians, with cumulative scores driving semi-final tension. Radio Times confirms the cast shake-ups, positioning remaining pairs like George Clarke for potential finals glory. No overall viewership stats emerged, but controversy around decisions keeps social buzz high.
Week 10 Leaderboard and Top Performers
Week 10 scores, blending weeks 9-10 plus instant dances, crown Karen Carney and Carlos Gu at 80 points (week 9: 39; week 10: 40; instant: 1), tying Amber Davies and Nikita Kummin (36+40+4). George Clarke and Alexis Warr follow at 75 (39+34+2), with Balvinder Sopal and Julian at 66 (33+28+5); Alex and Johannes trail at 61 (35+23+3). Clarke’s quickstep earned a standout 34 in week 10, highlighting precision amid pressure.
These totals reflect rigorous judging, with BBC’s process changes influencing outcomes—no voting figures released, but they fuel strategic pairings. Remaining frontrunners like Davies, a 28-year-old actress, embody the show’s blend of theatre polish and dance evolution.
Score Highlights
- Karen Carney & Carlos Gu: 80 total, consistent excellence.
- Amber Davies & Nikita Kummin: 80, theatre roots shine.
- George Clarke & Alexis Warr: 75, quickstep peak at 34.
Eliminations and Withdrawals Shake-Up Cast
Over 12 contestants have exited Strictly Come Dancing 2025, including Lewis Cope (30, Emmerdale actor with Katya Jones), eliminated recently in a “robbery” per fans. Others: Alex Kingston (62, Doctor Who/ER actress), La Voix (withdrew), Vicky Pattison, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (36, Olympian), Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (53, footballer), Chris Robshaw (39, rugby captain), Ellie Goldstein (23, model with Down syndrome, Vogue cover first), Stefan Dennis (66, Neighbours actor), Ross King (63, presenter), Thomas Skinner (controversial), and Dani Dyer (withdrew).
Cope’s departure, post emotional pro performance, drew judge dismay—Motsi and Shirley heads in hands, all saving Amber unanimously. Shirley Ballas called it a “toll,” with Katya in tears; fans lamented semi-final void. Thomas Skinner’s exit divided viewers on show direction.
Judges, Hosts, and Production Changes
Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke return as judges, delivering pointed critiques like on Cope’s routine. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman host their last series, amid speculation like Kristian Nairn replacement. BBC’s voting overhauls address past issues, confirmed in launch coverage.
First rehearsals hyped stars like Kingston; YouTube announcements captured couple reveals and reactions. Wikipedia logs series 23 as inclusive, with Goldstein’s milestone.
Fan and Media Reactions to Controversies
Fans erupted over Cope: “Semi-final lackluster without Lewis-Katya chemistry”; “Misguided—Amber’s background unfair edge.” Shirley echoed toll on cast; Express noted judges’ visible struggle. Skinner’s exit sparked “divided” debates, per YouTube updates.
Media stays neutral: Radio Times tracks line-up; Independent details scores; Sun covers emotional tolls. Positive notes on new blood like Sopal; overall, outrage centers eliminations, boosting engagement. No contestant quotes beyond context, but pros like Katya showed raw emotion.
Reaction Themes
- Elimination Backlash: Cope’s as “shock,” fan “robbery.”
- Judge Empathy: Tears, heads in hands during decisions.
- Voting Reforms: Fan scrutiny on fairness.
Remaining Contestants and Path to Final
Key survivors: Amber Davies, Balvinder Sopal, George Clarke, Karen Carney, Alex (details sparse post-week 10). Davies’ high scores position her favorite; Carney’s consistency rivals. Telegraph outlines finals timeline, with live leaderboards tracking via Strictly Scoreboard.
Diversity shines: Athletes like Aikines-Aryeetey (exited), actors, models. BBC Media Centre previews emphasize accessibility changes. As December 13 updates roll, semi-finals loom without Cope.
Broader Impact on Strictly 2025 Legacy
Series 23 blends shocks with triumphs, from Goldstein’s trailblazing to leaderboard battles. Hosts’ farewell adds poignancy; judges’ reactions humanize high stakes. Controversies like Cope’s amplify Strictly’s cultural pulse, sustaining 20+ year run.
With finals nearing, top scorers eye glitterball. Coverage from Telegraph, Radio Times cements it as must-watch TV, despite divides.
