The anticipation is palpable as the routines and songs for Movie Week on the 23rd series of Strictly Come Dancing have finally been revealed, setting the stage for one of the most beloved and visually spectacular episodes of the season. With the elimination of entrepreneur Thomas Skinner and his professional partner Amy Dowden, the competition has narrowed to 14 determined couples, all vying for a chance to dazzle both the judges and the audience in this annual celebration of cinema and dance. The much-anticipated Movie Week will air on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 18:05 GMT on BBC One, promising a night filled with glitz, nostalgia, and plenty of surprises.
According to BBC and coverage from Entertainment Now, the official announcement came via a lively video on the show's Instagram page on October 8, 2025. The clip, brimming with excitement, detailed which dances each couple would perform, the films inspiring their routines, and the iconic songs that will underscore their performances. The tradition of Movie Week is a highlight for fans, who wait eagerly each year to see how their favorite couples will interpret classic and contemporary films on the dance floor.
The lineup for this year’s Movie Week is nothing short of eclectic, spanning everything from old Hollywood glamour to modern blockbusters. Actor Lewis Cope and his partner Katya Jones are set to bring intensity to the ballroom with a paso doble to "The Plaza of Execution" by James Horner, straight from the 1998 swashbuckler The Mask of Zorro. In a more contemporary twist, social media personality George Clarke and Alexis Warr will take on a couple’s choice dance set to "Soda Pop" by the fictional Saja Boys from the 2025 animated musical fantasy KPop Demon Hunters.
Television presenter Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington are gearing up for a Charleston to "A Little Party Never Killed Nobody" from Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 adaptation of The Great Gatsby, promising a night of roaring twenties flair. Meanwhile, Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer will inject energy into the evening with a salsa to "I Always Wanted a Brother" from the upcoming 2024 musical drama Mufasa: The Lion King.
Former rugby star Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova will tackle the paso doble to Guns N’ Roses’ classic "Sweet Child o’ Mine" as featured in the 2022 superhero film Thor: Love and Thunder. According to iNews, this routine is expected to test their dramatic storytelling and technical prowess, as Movie Week often pushes contestants beyond their comfort zones.
Model Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola are set to light up the dance floor with a samba to Dua Lipa’s "Dance the Night" from the 2023 sensation Barbie. This routine is already generating buzz online, with fans eager to see how the team will channel the vibrant energy and pop culture sparkle of the movie. As reported by BBC, Ellie and Vito’s choice is one of the most anticipated of the evening, given the global popularity of Barbie and the infectious rhythm of Dua Lipa’s hit.
Not to be outdone, former soccer player Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley will perform the series’ first rumba to Billie Eilish’s haunting "No Time to Die," the title track from the 2021 James Bond film. The rumba, known for its emotional depth and slow, sensual movements, will undoubtedly challenge the pair to balance technique with dramatic expression.
Classic cinema will also have its moment: drag queen La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec will glide through a waltz to "Feed the Birds (Tuppence a Bag)" from the 1964 Disney classic Mary Poppins. The choice of this timeless tune is expected to evoke nostalgia and showcase the couple’s elegance. As one fan commented online, “Oh this is going to be an awesome movies week!” capturing the collective excitement of the show’s devoted audience.
The variety continues with actress Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe performing a quickstep to KT Tunstall’s "Suddenly I See" from The Devil Wears Prada. Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon will channel old-school romance with a foxtrot to Fred Astaire’s "The Way You Look Tonight" from the 1936 musical Swing Time. Reality star Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin are set for an American smooth to "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" from The Sound of Music, while former soccer player Karen Carney and Carlos Gu will take on a cha-cha-cha to Tom Jones’ "She’s a Lady" from Miss Congeniality.
Adding a bit of retro sci-fi flair, television presenter Ross King and Jowita Przystał will attempt a paso doble to the theme from the 1966 puppet adventure Thunderbirds Are Go. Rounding out the lineup, actor Stefan Dennis and Dianne Buswell will waltz to Dana Glover’s "It Is You (I Have Loved)" from the 2001 animated hit Shrek.
Movie Week is more than just a showcase of dance; it’s a pressure cooker for the remaining couples. With one couple already eliminated, the stakes are higher than ever. Every point from the judges and every vote from the public could be the difference between staying in the competition or heading home. As BBC notes, Movie Week is notorious for its high expectations—not just in dance technique, but in the ability to embody a character and tell a story through movement. It’s a challenge that can elevate a couple to frontrunner status or expose cracks in their partnership.
The selection of songs and films this year reflects a deliberate effort to test the versatility of the contestants. From the glitz of Barbie to the whimsy of Mary Poppins, from the action-packed world of Thor to the heartfelt romance of Swing Time, each routine promises something unique. The show’s producers have curated a lineup that not only entertains but also pushes the celebrities and their professional partners to new creative heights.
Fans have wasted no time sharing their excitement and predictions on social media. The reveal video alone sparked a flurry of comments, with viewers singling out their favorite routines and speculating on which couples might steal the show. The consensus seems clear: Movie Week is shaping up to be a highlight of the season, with the potential for both show-stopping performances and unexpected upsets.
For those eager to tune in, Strictly Come Dancing Movie Week airs live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 18:05 GMT on Saturday, October 11, 2025. With a dazzling array of songs, films, and dance styles on offer, it promises to be an evening to remember. Whether you’re a fan of classic musicals, modern blockbusters, or just love a good paso doble, this year’s Movie Week has something for everyone.
As the curtain rises on Movie Week, all eyes will be on the dance floor to see which couples rise to the occasion and which might stumble under the spotlight. One thing’s for sure: the magic of movies and the thrill of live dance will combine for an unforgettable night on Strictly Come Dancing.
