Strictly's Poignant Remembrance Sunday Tribute
Strictly Come Dancing honoured the nation's fallen heroes this weekend with its annual Remembrance Sunday tribute, leaving viewers deeply moved by the emotional professional dance. In a now-cherished tradition for the BBC programme, the show's professional dancers performed a heartfelt routine dedicated to the armed forces.
The powerful performance was set to Sam Fender's Remember My Name and featured the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment providing the musical accompaniment. Dancers Lauren Oakley and Aljaž Škorjanec took centre stage initially, before being joined by the entire professional ensemble for a poignant ballroom sequence.
Viewer Reactions and Amy Dowden's Unexpected Appearance
Following the broadcast, social media platform X was flooded with praise from emotional fans. One viewer commented: 'For all everyone who gave their lives, a beautiful tribute. Thank you is never enough to all who served for our country.' Another added: 'That was a beautiful pro dance and the music was spot, can't believe I'm now in tears over Strictly.'
However, some viewers expressed confusion at seeing professional dancer Amy Dowden participating in the routine, given she had recently shared on social media that she had undergone a second mastectomy. The explanation lies in Strictly's production schedule – this year's professional performances were pre-recorded months in advance, with many numbers for the current series filmed back in August.
Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023 and has undergone extensive treatment including a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and fertility treatment. She previously revealed she nearly died from sepsis during her treatment. On Saturday, the BBC star shared with followers that she had returned home after her second mastectomy, posting a photo from her sofa during recovery.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey's Strictly Exit
Sunday's results show also saw Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey become the latest celebrity to leave the competition after losing out to La Voix in the dance-off. Both couples performed their routines again for the judges, with La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec delivering their Foxtrot to Make Your Own Kind of Music by Cass Elliot, while Harry and Karen Hauer reprised their Samba to Samba by Gloria Estefan.
The judges unanimously decided to save La Voix and Aljaž, with Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood all voting to keep the Ru Paul's Drag Race UK star. Motsi Mabuse, who held the casting vote this week, agreed with her fellow judges.
Reflecting on his Strictly experience, the Olympian and Gladiators star said: 'I think, first things, I just want to thank Karen, genuinely, you have given me an opportunity to shine.' He added: 'I want to thank everyone here. Literally, this has been a dream come true. This is a celebration.'
His professional partner Karen Hauer responded: 'I am extremely proud. We've had the best time. You're such a gentleman, you're a hard worker, you listen... and it was an honour to teach you.'
The results show also featured a musical performance from James Morrison singing Fight Another Day, accompanied by a routine from dancers Jowita Pryzstał and Neil Jones. Both of this weekend's Strictly Come Dancing episodes are available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.
