Lawrence Robb and Jowita Przystal Become the Fifth Couple to Leave Strictly Come Dancing in Terrifying Halloween Week Twist

The tension in the ballroom reached a fever pitch over the weekend as Strictly Come Dancing delivered one of its most dramatic results shows of the 2026 season. Following a vibrant and spine-chilling Halloween Week special on Saturday night, viewers were hit with a terrifying twist that fundamentally changed the dynamics of the competition, ultimately sending actor Lawrence Robb and his professional dance partner Jowita Przystal home after a grueling and unprecedented bottom-three dance-off.

Ahead of Saturday night’s episode, which aired on 31 October, producers threw a massive spanner into the works by revealing that the usual format would be upended. Instead of the customary two couples facing the dreaded dance-off, three pairs would find themselves fighting for survival in Sunday night’s results show. As the public votes were tallied and the judges’ scores from Saturday’s performances were factored in, the reality of the twist set in for the remaining celebrities.

When the dust settled, it was Lawrence Robb and Jowita Przystal, Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu, and Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu who found themselves occupying the perilous bottom three positions. Each of these couples had given their all during Saturday’s live broadcast, but the public vote and combined leaderboard standings left them vulnerable, forcing them to take to the dancefloor once more to prove why they deserved a place in the competition.

The dance-off that followed was a masterclass in pressure management, with all three couples delivering high-energy routines designed to captivate the judging panel. Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu kicked off the survival performances by reprising their high-octane Jive, set to Fifth Harmony’s infectious track “I’m in Love with a Monster.” Their fast footwork, synchronisation, and theatrical flair brought a ferocious energy to the stage, showcasing the fierce determination of the pairing.

They were followed by Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu, who stepped up to re-deliver their sultry and provocative Salsa to the iconic Scissor Sisters hit “Filthy/Gorgeous.” Winstone brought her trademark performance quality and rhythm back to the floor, executing complex lifts and rapid hip actions in an attempt to impress the judges and secure their safety in the competition.

However, it was Lawrence Robb and Jowita Przystal who ultimately faced the end of their Strictly journey. The couple performed their spooky Tango once again, dancing to the universally recognised “Ghostbusters” theme by Ray Parker Jr. While the routine was packed with sharp characterisation, crisp frame work, and commitment to the Halloween theme, it was not enough to sway the judging panel in a night of exceptionally tight competition.

In the end, the judges delivered a unanimous decision. When it came down to the final verdict, judge Motsi Mabuse held the decisive vote and confirmed that she, too, would have chosen to send Robb and Przystal home, cementing their departure as the fifth couple to leave the 2026 contest. Despite the disappointment of elimination, Robb and Przystal handled their exit with immense grace, thanking each other, the crew, and the professional dancers for an unforgettable experience on the BBC flagship entertainment show.

True to Strictly tradition, the departing couple will not have to wait long to share their reflections on the journey. Robb and Przystal are scheduled to join host Ellie Taylor on Strictly: It Takes Two on Monday evening at 6.30pm, broadcasting live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, where they will look back at their highlights, challenges, and favourite memories from this year’s competition.

Beyond the drama of the dance-off, Sunday night’s results show fully embraced the spooky spirit of Halloween week with a series of high-calibre musical and professional performances. The professional dancers opened the programme with a breathtaking and atmospheric group routine set to “Dracula,” a standout track by Tame Impala. The performance featured a special voice cameo from legendary actor Sir Ian McKellen, who lent his dramatic gravitas to the routine by reading excerpts from Bram Stoker’s classic gothic novel, creating a truly cinematic television moment.

The entertainment continued with a stellar guest performance by pop singer Becky Hill. Her soaring vocals were paired with an intricate and mesmerising contemporary routine performed by Strictly professionals Aleksandra Isaeva and Cristian Priori, captivating both the studio audience and viewers at home.

Looking back at Saturday night’s live show, the competition had been exceptionally fierce, with several contestants achieving personal milestones and critical acclaim. YouTuber John Nellis and his professional partner Katya Jones delivered a passionate and dramatic Tango that won over both the audience and the judging panel, earning Nellis his highest score of the competition so far and proving his ongoing growth as a dancer. Meanwhile, Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington continued to cement themselves as strong contenders, delivering a Viennese Waltz that judges praised as "sensational," highlighting their fluid movement and emotional connection on the floor.

At the very top of the leaderboard, Lacey Turner and her professional partner Vito Coppola claimed the coveted number one spot. Closing out Saturday night’s show with a vibrant, lift-packed Charleston, Turner dazzled with her comedic timing, dizzying speed, and flawless execution of complex choreography, leaving the judges with little choice but to shower the couple with high praise and top marks.

With Halloween Week now behind them and the competition narrowing down, the remaining 10 celebrity couples will turn their attention to the week ahead. Training is already underway as the contestants prepare to return to the ballroom floor next weekend. Strictly Come Dancing will return for its next live show on Saturday, 7 November, at 6.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, where the battle for the coveted Glitterball trophy will continue.