Strictly Come Dancing Week 8: Emotional Highs, Odd Song Choices, and Calls for Change

Strictly Come Dancing returned for Week 8 last night, delivering a roller-coaster of emotions, standout performances, and, as has become something of a hallmark this season, some unusual song pairings. While there were magical dance moments, there was also a sense among viewers and critics that the show’s “middle stretch” is becoming formulaic and in need of fresh ideas (Entertainment Daily).

The Challenge of the “Soggy Middle”
One of the recurring criticisms of Strictly is that the show’s midseason feels a bit stale. Unlike high-stakes early weeks or the excitement of Blackpool, the middle weeks can drag — and that was a point raised by several commentators this week. As one entertainment writer put it: “The relentless banging on about getting to Blackpool … to the audience and most of the celebs … it’s just another British seaside town.” (Entertainment Daily) Indeed, while Blackpool holds historical and emotional significance for the judges and dance professionals, for some viewers it’s become more of a ritual than a dramatic turning point (Yahoo News UK).

Many believe that with next year’s shake-up — especially if Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly step aside from their hosting roles — it might be the perfect time to reinvent aspects of the show. As Entertainment Daily argued, Strictly could look to its global spin-offs for inspiration and introduce fresh formats or new challenges.

All the Tears: Carlos Gu and Karen Carney’s Emotional Moment
The emotional heart of the evening arguably came from pro dancer Carlos Gu. During his American Smooth with footballer Karen Carney, Carlos appeared visibly moved. He later told host Claudia Winkleman that Karen’s effort — knowing her back condition — meant the world to him. (Independent) Their performance to You Don’t Own Me by SAYGRACE was far from traditional, but the judges responded warmly. Craig Revel Horwood told Karen he “loves watching you dance,” while Motsi Mabuse described their connection as powerful. (Independent)

Karen and Carlos scored 31 points for their dance, earning them a place in the much-coveted Blackpool week. (Entertainment Daily) For Carlos, this wasn’t just another performance — it was a deeply personal acknowledgment of Karen’s strength and resilience.

George Clarke Shares Heartbreaking Family Story
Another deeply emotional moment came from YouTuber George Clarke and his partner Alexis Warr during their VT. George opened up about his childhood visits to his family’s farm, but also shared two painful family health struggles: his mother’s encephalitis diagnosis and, more recently, her cancer diagnosis. (Independent) He dedicated his Rumba to her, dancing to Somewhere Only We Know — a song his sister once sang at his grandfather’s funeral. (Independent)

However, even as George poured his heart out, the judges noted that the dance was more like a couple’s choice than a traditional Rumba. Craig Revel Horwood diplomatically remarked that it didn’t quite feel like a Rumba, though he appreciated the emotion and the storytelling. (Entertainment Daily) George and Alexis ended up with 29 points.

La Voix Honors Family in Showstopping Couple’s Choice
Drag performer La Voix, whose stage persona hides his true identity as Chris Dennis, brought his own family story to the dancefloor. In his VT, Dennis remembered his late mother and celebrated her role in supporting his career — a moment that visibly moved him. (Independent) For their Couple’s Choice routine, he and partner Aljaž Škorjanec danced to Don’t Rain On My Parade by Barbra Streisand, delivering a showbiz spectacle full of heart. The judges praised the performance for its theatricality and passion, though some viewers felt the emotional backstory was leveraged to secure La Voix a spot in Blackpool. (Independent)

High Scores, Tough Calls
Week 8 wasn’t all tears — there was strong technical work, too. Actor Lewis Cope and Katya Jones performed a dramatic Tango and earned a 10 from Motsi Mabuse alongside three 9s. (Entertainment Daily) Meanwhile, Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin performed a fiery Paso Doble, scoring 10s from both Motsi and Anton du Beke — a reflection of their growing momentum heading into the show's next phase. (Entertainment Daily)

On the other hand, Balvinder Sopal and her partner Julian Caillon fell into the dance-off after scoring 27 for their American Smooth. (Entertainment Daily) Their opponent was Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington, who also scored 27 for a Jive to Sound of the Underground by Girls Aloud — a performance some described as awkward and uncomfortable. Ultimately, the judges saved Balvinder, eliminating Vicky in a unanimous decision. (Entertainment Daily)

Looking Ahead: Can Strictly Reinvigorate Itself?
As the competition now heads into Blackpool week — widely regarded by stars and judges alike as a high point — some viewers and critics are asking whether Strictly’s formula needs a refresh. With the presenters likely to change soon and the emotional weight of the show ramping up, perhaps now is the moment for the long-running contest to reinvent itself.

Strictly Come Dancing returns next Saturday on BBC One, continuing its journey toward the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom.