Former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips injected much-needed momentum into his campaign, leaping forward with a 10-point improvement over his debut performance. Meanwhile, Love Island winner Cach Mercer and Paralympic medallist Sarah Storey both staged remarkable comebacks by lifting their scores by nine points each, proving that the early themed week provided a pivotal opportunity for those who struggled in the premiere. For the first time in the show's history, the production team ensured every celebrity took part in the themed extravaganza, which arrived seven days earlier than is typical for the series.
While some dancers capitalized on the Hollywood-themed atmosphere, others struggled to gain ground. Melanie Walters remained rooted at the bottom of the leaderboard with a score of 15, mirroring her total from the previous week after a waltz to the song Edelweiss. Similarly, Big Brother presenter Will Best and hair stylist Chris Appleton saw only marginal gains, finishing with scores of 19 and 17 respectively, casting doubt on their longevity in the competition.
The event also featured the season’s first Couple’s Choice routine, performed by John Nellis and Katya Jones to music from Titanic. The performance incorporated Irish dancing elements and earned seven points each from judges Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke. Despite the judges' reception, the routine sparked debate among viewers on social media, with many criticizing the timing and format of the style, calling it a potential free pass that undermines the competition's structure.
As the scores are tallied and the pressure intensifies, the first elimination of the 2026 season looms. Following the conclusion of Movie Week, one couple will be sent home during the next broadcast.