Strictly Come Dancing’s Movie Week brought a fresh wave of glitz, drama, and emotional farewells as the beloved BBC One competition revealed its second elimination of the 2025 series. On Sunday night, October 12, fans watched as TV presenter Ross King and his professional partner Jowita Przystał took their final bow, leaving the dancefloor after a tense showdown with EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal and pro dancer Julian Caillon. It was a night filled with both celebration and heartbreak, as the show’s trademark sparkle collided with the tough reality of competition.
The elimination followed a movie-themed spectacle that saw all contestants channel iconic film moments. Ross and Jowita, reprising their Paso Doble to the dramatic Thunderbirds Are Go theme tune, faced off against Balvinder and Julian, who performed a graceful Foxtrot to ‘The Way You Look Tonight’ from the classic film Swing Time. According to BBC, the two couples found themselves at the bottom of the leaderboard following their performances, with Ross and Jowita scoring 19 points and Balvinder and Julian earning 26.
As the tension mounted, the fate of both couples rested in the hands of the show’s formidable judging panel—Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood. Each judge delivered their verdict with care, but the decision was unanimous: Balvinder and Julian would continue on their Strictly journey. Head Judge Shirley Ballas revealed she would have cast her deciding vote in their favor as well, had it been required. The result meant that Ross King and Jowita Przystał became the second pair to leave the competition this year.
The moment was bittersweet, with Ross King expressing heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout his Strictly experience. “And, I want to thank a very special lady who has been with me through it all and has been absolutely everything: she’s been a mentor, teacher, carer…” he said, his voice breaking as he praised Jowita. “I could not have wished for a better partner, and I could not have wished to be on a better show. Thank you judges for all your remarks.”
Jowita Przystał, visibly moved, responded with her own words of appreciation. “Thank you so much for all of your work. For everything you have done during rehearsals. We laugh a lot – but we also cried! Thank you so much, and I hope I’m going to be a little part in your life forever.” Their exchange captured the emotional core of the series, where competition and camaraderie share the spotlight.
This year’s Movie Week was not just about the elimination. The night saw standout moments, including Lewis Cope and Katya Jones earning the first perfect 10 of the season—a milestone that brought the studio audience to their feet. Guest judge Cynthia Erivo also made a memorable appearance, bringing her own brand of theatrical flair (and a few ‘wicked’ references) to the judging panel, much to the delight of viewers.
Strictly Come Dancing’s format, which pairs celebrities with professional dancers, has long been a staple of British television. Each week, couples perform routines inspired by various themes, with Movie Week consistently ranking as a fan favorite. Themed weeks challenge contestants to embody beloved characters and stories, adding an extra layer of excitement—and sometimes, pressure—to the proceedings. According to Digital Spy, this year’s Movie Week delivered on all fronts: dazzling costumes, ambitious choreography, and plenty of surprises.
For Ross King, a Scottish presenter known for his charisma and wit, the Strictly journey was as much about personal growth as it was about competition. Despite finishing at the bottom of the leaderboard, his performances were marked by enthusiasm and a willingness to step outside his comfort zone. The Paso Doble, with its dramatic flair, proved to be a challenging routine, but Ross tackled it with determination. As he reflected on his time in the competition, his gratitude for the experience—and for his partner Jowita—was unmistakable.
The judges’ decision to save Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon was based on technical merit and overall performance. The Foxtrot, a dance known for its elegance and smoothness, allowed Balvinder and Julian to showcase their growing chemistry on the dancefloor. Their higher score of 26 points reflected the judges’ appreciation for their progress and potential in the weeks ahead.
With Ross and Jowita’s departure, 13 couples remain in the running for the coveted Glitterball Trophy. The competition resumes on Saturday, October 18, at 6:30 pm, with the results show following on Sunday, October 19, at 7:15 pm. Both episodes will air on BBC One and are available to stream via BBC iPlayer, ensuring fans won’t miss a moment of the action. The spin-off show, Strictly: It Takes Two, continues to provide behind-the-scenes insights and interviews on weeknights on BBC Two.
Movie Week’s elimination also signals a turning point in the series. With the first 10 of the season awarded and the field narrowing, the pressure is mounting for the remaining contestants. Each couple must now raise their game, knowing that one misstep could put them in the dreaded dance-off. The judges, meanwhile, are tasked with balancing encouragement and critique, guiding celebrities through the highs and lows of live performance.
For the Strictly faithful, the show’s enduring appeal lies in its blend of glamour, unpredictability, and genuine emotion. Whether it’s a tearful farewell, a show-stopping routine, or a surprising leaderboard shake-up, each episode offers a reminder of why millions tune in every week. As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on the dancefloor to see who rises to the occasion—and who might be next to say goodbye.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturdays on BBC One, with episodes and spin-offs accessible on BBC iPlayer. The journey continues, promising more spectacular performances, emotional moments, and, of course, the kind of drama only Strictly can deliver.
