Strictly Come Dancing reveals new challenge to open Musicals Week this year

This year’s musicals week on Strictly Come Dancing will open with a new challenge!

The quarter-final marks the final themed week of the series, with the remaining couples performing routines set to numbers from stage productions.

Currently remaining in the competition are Karen Carney and Carlos Gu, George Clarke and Alexis Warr, Lewis Cope and Katya Jones, Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon.

You can find out which musical numbers they’ll be dancing to here.

Airing across 6 and 7 December 2026, there will also be an appearance from a previous Strictly contestant, Tom Fletcher, who will return to the ballroom to perform a song from the new musical version of Paddington, with the character also set to feature.

The couples will also face a new competitive element, billed as a high-stakes dance challenge. Their results will be reflected in the judges’ scores ahead of the public vote. Details have emerged confirming that each pair will dance relay-style alongside eight additional dancers.

Choreographed by Matt Flint, the couples will dance to the following numbers:

• Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin – “Trip A Little Light Fantastic” from Mary Poppins Returns
• Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon – “With A Little Bit Of Luck” from My Fair Lady
• George Clarke and Alexis Warr – “Consider Yourself” from Oliver!
• Karen Carney and Carlos Gu – “Flash Bang Wallop” from Half A Sixpence
• Lewis Cope and Katya Jones – “Me Ol’ Bamboo” from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

The routine will start and finish with all couples dancing together.

Sunday night’s results show continues the musicals theme, with the professional dancers performing to “Cell Block Tango” from Chicago. Cast members from Titanique will also appear during the broadcast.