Strictly Come Dancing 2023 live — Strictly’s dances revealed for semi finals as Nigel Harman is brought to tears on air
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STRICTLY Come Dancing's Nigel Harman and his twinkle-toed partner Katya Jones have quit the show as explained on Saturday night.
Nigel, known for his role in Casualty and aged 50, was all set to Charleston his way through Step in Time from the beloved Disney classic Mary Poppins in Saturday night's live quarter-finals on BBC1.
Unfortunately, Nigel has had to bow out of the competition due to a rib injury, meaning this week's elimination was cancelled. This means the remaining star-studded line-up - Ellie Leach, Annabel Croft, Layton Williams and Bobby Brazier - shimmied their way into the next round.
The pair could be seen holding back tears as they paid tribute to each-other, before Katya ultimately burst into tears at the emotional display.
It comes as the semi final dances were revealed with Layton taking on the Rumba and the Charleston whilst Ellie will perform a Cha-Cha and a Couples' Choice dance.
Read our live blog below for the latest news and updates...
How to watch Strictly Come Dancing abroad
You’ll first need to download a VPN, such as or onto the device you’ll be streaming iPlayer from.
Then, load the VPN and select a UK server, which will (legally) reroute your IP address to the UK.
You’ll then be able to head to iPlayer and stream Strictly Come Dancing with no trouble.
Who has left Strictly so far?
Every Sunday, the BBC show waves goodbye to one more celebrity.
Here’s who has left the competition so far:
Week ten – Angela Scanlon
Week nine – Angela Rippon
Week eight: Krishnan Guru-Murthy
Week seven: Adam Thomas
Week six: Zara McDermott
Week five: Eddie Kadi
Week four: Jody Cundy
Week three: Nikita Kanda
Week two: Les Dennis
Week one: No one
What did Angela Scanlon say last weekend?
Speaking after being dumped from Strictly last weekend, Angela Scanlon said she was “gutted” to say goodbye, but her experience on the show was “incredible.”
She said: “It’s been honestly incredible, I’m gutted, really gutted that it’s finished now, but it has been the most wonderful experience.
“I have made the best friend in this man (Carlos).
“We have had so much fun, he is such an incredible guy.
“He has supported me and picked me up and made me laugh so much.
“I don’t know what to say, it’s been magical honestly – all of those people up there.
“My husband at home, my two little girls and all my friends.”
‘I’m so proud’
Carlos Gu had nothing but praise for Angela Scanlon following her Strictly exit.
Gu said she has worked “so hard” during her time on the dance competition.
And added: “Look at her now – I am so proud, her sense of humour and we had so much fun everyday – she cracks me up laughing.”
Layton Williams on ‘pushing boundaries’
Layton Williams has said he enjoys “pushing the boundaries” on Strictly despite receiving some criticism.
He said: “I feel like we’ve always come out and kind of like done something potentially a little bit more out there pushing the boundaries… we’ve thrown in this and that… and there’s always an element of surprise.
Referring to his performance last week, he added: “Why shouldn’t we be swinging from poles and living our best lives? It went down pretty (well) if you ask me so I’m really proud and I stand by it, it’s also a couple’s choice. Get into it.”
Ellie Leach says dad ‘loves’ Vito
Ellie Leach added to the romance rumours surrounding her and pro-partner Vito once again last weekend.
Speaking to host Claudia Winkleman during Sunday’s results show, Ellie said her dad “loves” the Italian dancer.
She said: “My dad is usually a man of few words and he rarely shows any emotion but every week he messages me and is like ‘so proud of you, crying again’ like welling up.
“And he’s just been so amazing and such support, it’s been nice to know that I’m making him proud.”
Ellie added: “He loves Vito.”
Anton’s comments on ‘closest dance-off’ of the series
Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke chose to save Layton Williams and professional Nikita Kuzmin after they re-performed an American Smooth routine to It’s Oh So Quiet by Bjork.
Anton said: “I don’t think either couple danced as well as they can. It was the closest dance off we’ve had in the series so far.
“This is the only thing, I saw an error from one of the couples, so I’m going to vote to keep in to the quarter-finals, Layton and Nikita.”
Jeff Brazier hails son’s ‘ incredible courage’ after emotional Jade Goody tribute
Bobby Brazier’s father, Jeff, hailed his son after the actor and model performed an emotional tribute to Jade Goody.
Writing on Instagram last night, Jeff said: “To share your grief even to just one person can be a daunting prospect but to express it so movingly in front of millions takes incredible courage so thank you for your inspiration @bobbybrazier!
“Encouraging many a conversation about loss & giving people an outlet for the tears they might find hard to release is a wonderful legacy of your time in the competition so far.
“You said something in the VT about making me proud of you? You and your brother achieved that a long time ago. Don’t forget I’ve seen the journey and you both have my lifelong support & unwavering respect.”
Who is still in the running to win Strictly?
Strictly Come Dancing 2023 started off with 15 famous faces.
Every week they are slowly whittled down until there are three left in the grand final.
The stars who are still in the competition are:
- Actor and model Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell
- Actress Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola
- Actress Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin
- Tennis ace Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe
- Actor Nigel Harman and Katya Jones
How to watch Strictly Come Dancing abroad
You’ll first need to download a VPN, such as or onto the device you’ll be streaming iPlayer from.
Then, load the VPN and select a UK server, which will (legally) reroute your IP address to the UK.
You’ll then be able to head to iPlayer and stream Strictly Come Dancing with no trouble.
Why AJ Odudu pulled out before the 2021 Strictly final
AJ Odudu quickly became a fan favourite when she competed in the 2021 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Many thought she might life the glitterball trophy – but her time was cut short.
The TV presenter had to pull out of the competition alongside her professional partner Kai Widdrington due to an ankle injury.
This came as a disappointment to viewers as many hailed her as their favourite.
Strictly pro tipped to replace Craig Revel Horwood next year
Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood confirmed he will hang up his shoes next year.
Bets are now placed on who will replace him – and former Strictly pro Joanne Clifton has tipped Giovanni Pernice to take over the seat.
She told Betway: “Many of us would like to have a go at judging. I completely get why Anton wanted to.
“I can see Giovanni Pernice going for it in a couple of years’ time. He could definitely be a type of Bruno Tonioli on the panel as he and Anton have their show together. He has a great personality.”
What TV shows has Tess hosted?
After being encouraged by an American pal, Tess began interviewing celebs during red carpet events in the late 90s.
She sent a tape as an audition for Channel 4‘s The Big Breakfast in 2000 and this led her to host their Find Me A Model competition.
After she landed hosting roles on Make Me A Supermodel, SMTV Live and Back To Reality, before bagging her Strictly Come Dancing gig in 2004.
Also, Tess also fronts BBC’s Children In Need.
Meet the Strictly Christmas line-up
It’s nearly December, which means the annual Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special is just weeks away.
This year the BBC have brought in stars from the world of sports, music and television.
Here are all the celebs taking part:
- Danny Cipriani
- Tillie Amartey
- Keisha Buchanan
- Dan Snow
- Sally Nugent
- Jamie Borthwick
When Alesha Dixon won Strictly
Singer Alesha Dixon and professional dancer Matthew Cutler stormed to victory in 2007’s Strictly Come Dancing with a series of show-stopping routines including a Cha Cha to Crazy in Love.
Following her incredible win, she later returned to the series as a short-lived judge, before joining the team at Britain’s Got Talent.
They beat Matt DiAngelo and his partner Flavia Cacace in the final – though they ended up a couple so I guess everyone was a winner here.
Fans gutted after elimination
Strictly fans have been left gutted after Angela was kicked off the show.
Taking to X one fan said: “@angelascanlon you were great tonight Angela.
“Personally I think you were robbed. What a “journey” I loved watching you. #Strictly . Your Argentine Tango made me cry.”
A second wrote: “Layton performed but Angela DANCED, but that’s just my opinion I guess #Strictly.”
What is Shirley Ballas’s net worth?
Shirley’s estimated net worth is around £4M.
Shirley joined Strictly in 2017 and was paid £180,000 by the BBC for that series.
This was £70,000 short of the amount given to her predecessor Len Goodman for the same role.
However, in 2022 The Sun revealed how she now gets paid £500K per Strictly series.
How can you vote?
To vote online for Strictly Come Dancing, you will firstly need to register – or if you have BBC account already set up from last year, you can just sign in.
Waltz – or rumba – over to the Strictly homepage. When the vote is open the link to vote will appear at the top of the page.
The couples will be listed in alphabetical order. Select the button next to their names and click “vote now” to submit your choice.
And you’re able to vote more than once, although there is an upper limit on how many times you can vote per episode.
There is no charge for voting online.
When did Bill Bailey win Strictly?
Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse were crowned the winners of Strictly Come Dancing in 2020.
After performances from HRVY, Maisie Smith and Jamie Laing, entertainer Bill became the eldest contestant to ever take home the Giltterball trophy.
Announcing the result as the spectacular nine-week series came to an end, host Tess Daly said: “The moment we’ve all been waiting for… the Strictly champions of 2020 are Bill and Oti.”
Champion Bill said: “It feels surreal, extraordinary and wonderful.
“I never thought we would get this far. I never thought we’d get to the final.
“I’ve had the most extraordinary teacher and the most extraordinary dancer.
“Someone who has believed in me right from the beginning. She found something.”
How to watch Strictly Come Dancing abroad
You’ll first need to download a VPN, such as or onto the device you’ll be streaming iPlayer from.
Then, load the VPN and select a UK server, which will (legally) reroute your IP address to the UK.
You’ll then be able to head to iPlayer and stream Strictly Come Dancing with no trouble.
Who has left Strictly so far?
Every Sunday, the BBC show waves goodbye to one more celebrity.
Here’s who has left the competition so far:
Week ten – Angela Scanlon
Week nine – Angela Rippon
Week eight: Krishnan Guru-Murthy
Week seven: Adam Thomas
Week six: Zara McDermott
Week five: Eddie Kadi
Week four: Jody Cundy
Week three: Nikita Kanda
Week two: Les Dennis
Week one: No one
What did Angela Scanlon say last weekend?
Speaking after being dumped from Strictly last weekend, Angela Scanlon said she was “gutted” to say goodbye, but her experience on the show was “incredible.”
She said: “It’s been honestly incredible, I’m gutted, really gutted that it’s finished now, but it has been the most wonderful experience.
“I have made the best friend in this man (Carlos).
“We have had so much fun, he is such an incredible guy.
“He has supported me and picked me up and made me laugh so much.
“I don’t know what to say, it’s been magical honestly – all of those people up there.
“My husband at home, my two little girls and all my friends.”
‘I’m so proud’
Carlos Gu had nothing but praise for Angela Scanlon following her Strictly exit.
Gu said she has worked “so hard” during her time on the dance competition.
And added: “Look at her now – I am so proud, her sense of humour and we had so much fun everyday – she cracks me up laughing.”
Layton Williams on ‘pushing boundaries’
Layton Williams has said he enjoys “pushing the boundaries” on Strictly despite receiving some criticism.
He said: “I feel like we’ve always come out and kind of like done something potentially a little bit more out there pushing the boundaries… we’ve thrown in this and that… and there’s always an element of surprise.
Referring to his performance last week, he added: “Why shouldn’t we be swinging from poles and living our best lives? It went down pretty (well) if you ask me so I’m really proud and I stand by it, it’s also a couple’s choice. Get into it.”
Ellie Leach says dad ‘loves’ Vito
Ellie Leach added to the romance rumours surrounding her and pro-partner Vito once again last weekend.
Speaking to host Claudia Winkleman during Sunday’s results show, Ellie said her dad “loves” the Italian dancer.
She said: “My dad is usually a man of few words and he rarely shows any emotion but every week he messages me and is like ‘so proud of you, crying again’ like welling up.
“And he’s just been so amazing and such support, it’s been nice to know that I’m making him proud.”
Ellie added: “He loves Vito.”
