Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood tips Paul Chuckle and Gogglebox stars Pete and Sophie Sandiford for next year’s series as he enjoys late night drinks with them after Blackpool show

Although this season of Strictly Come Dancing hasn’t finished yet, judge Craig Revel Horwood is already predicting who might compete next year.

After the show’s glamorous episode in Blackpool, the judge shared that he spent the evening having drinks with comedian Paul Chuckle and the popular Gogglebox duo, Pete and Sophie Sandiford.

Oh my gosh, it was AMAZING! Craig was at the bar after the show, and I saw him! Even better, he was with some of the contestants – Lewis Cope was there too! They all took a group photo, and I just about died! I need that picture framed, seriously. It was a dream come true to see them all together!

Oh my gosh, last night was crazy! Not only did everything else happen, but La Voix actually had to leave the show because of an injury! And get this – because of it, no one was eliminated! Can you believe it? All my favorites are still in it! I was seriously losing it!

Craig shared a photo on Instagram, captioning it: ‘I thought the latest #bbcstrictly episode was amazing, but it was even better getting to hang out with the incredible Lewis Cope! And it’s great to see the hilarious Chuckle TV Dynasty – Paul Chuckle, Sophie Sandiford, and Pete Sandiford – continuing to thrive. They’d all be perfect for the show in 2026, in my opinion.’

Gogglebox fans were also recently stunned to learn that Paul is actually Pete and Sophie’s uncle.

Paul Elliott, age 77, was one half of the popular comedy duo who appeared on the BBC’s ChuckleVision from 1987 until 2009. He performed alongside his brother, Barry, who has since passed away.

The popular children’s TV presenter recently posted an old photo on Instagram with Pete and Sophie, who are both 30, to wish his niece a happy birthday.

He shared a photo with the message: ‘Happy 30th birthday to my wonderful grandniece, Soph! This picture was taken when you were 24. Sending lots of love from both of us – Paul and Sue! xx’

Sophie replied to the heartfelt post: ‘Thank you uncle Paul and auntie sue❤️ love you both xxxx’

Pete and Sophie, from Blackpool, have been regulars on Gogglebox since 2018.

As a huge fan, I was already excited for Blackpool Week, but it was extra special – and a little sad! – knowing it was Tess and Claudia’s last one. They both looked absolutely incredible in their gowns, and it was bittersweet seeing them shine knowing this series is their last hosting the show. It really felt like a moment to cherish.

Oh my gosh, I was devastated when I heard! Apparently, La Voix had to pull out of Strictly – the doctors wouldn’t let her continue, and honestly, it just broke my heart. I was so excited to see what she’d do, and now… it’s just awful news for all of us fans.

The drag queen sat in the front row, appearing sad when the announcement was made.

A few minutes later, the celebrities were surprised to hear that no one would be eliminated this week. The planned dance-off was cancelled, and everyone’s scores would be carried over to the next show.

As a huge fan, I immediately checked Instagram when I heard La Voix was leaving, and she posted a message right away! It was so quick after the news broke.

She shared that she was heartbroken to have to leave Strictly Come Dancing. It wasn’t the way she’d hoped to finish, and she was upset about disappointing everyone.

I really wanted to keep dancing, but unfortunately, my foot couldn’t! Thank you so much for all the cheers, votes, and support – it’s meant everything to me. While this isn’t how I pictured things ending, I’ll always treasure this experience.

Lewis Cope and his partner Katya Jones kicked off the dancing competition with a lively Charleston.

The dance stunned judge Anton Du Beke into silence, and Craig Revel Horwood simply called it ‘fabulous’.

Lewis received a perfect score of 40 for his incredible dance, making him the first celebrity this season to earn such a high mark.

Okay, so Balvinder Sopal and her new partner, Julian Caillon, just performed – and wow, it was a really passionate and steamy Argentine Tango! It definitely got everyone’s attention.

Balvinder seemed a little downbeat about her dance, but the judges were impressed! Motsi Mabuse even nicknamed her the ‘comeback queen’ because she had battled through four dance-offs to get where she was.

Balvinder had a fantastic return, earning her best score of the competition with three 8s and a 9.

Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin danced a lively Quickstep to the S Club 7 song “Reach For The Stars.”

Following Blackpool week’s usual format, the celebrity dancers were joined on the dance floor by additional professional dancers.

The audience booed when Craig pointed out flaws in Amber’s technique, but he quickly praised her timing and floor coverage, calling them ‘exceptional’. They ultimately received a score of 36 out of 40.

Lioness Karen Carney and Carlos Gu then took to the floor with a powerful Paso Doble, earning a standing ovation from the audience and judges Motsi and Shirley.

Honestly, the energy was just incredible! Craig actually said it was a guaranteed showstopper, and Motsi was so blown away she joked she didn’t even have a paddle big enough to show her appreciation – that’s how good the performance was! It was a truly stunning moment, and you could feel the excitement in the room.

Shirley believes the performance will be remembered as a historic one, and Anton jokingly wished he could have given her a perfect score of 25 points. She actually received a score of 39 for her dance.

Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe then performed their Couple’s Choice dance, a dazzling and passionate routine that earned them a score of 35.

George Clarke finished the famous Blackpool show with a lively salsa, dancing with his partner Alexis Warr.

The YouTuber’s performance really energized the judges, and Shirley praised it as a fresh start, highlighting a completely new side of him. She admitted she was surprised by how well he did.

The pair achieved a huge score of 39 for the routine, their highest yet.  

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2025-11-23 11:49