Lacey Turner Leads Strictly Come Dancing Leaderboard During Halloween Special

Lacey Turner topped the Strictly Come Dancing leaderboard on Saturday night following a high-scoring Charleston performance during the show's annual Halloween special, which featured an unusual triple dance-off twist.

Turner and her professional partner, Vito Coppola, earned a total score of 36 for their final routine, while couples Graeme Hall and Lauren Oakley and Tabby Stoecker and Mark Karmalita tied at the bottom with 25 points.

The results show, scheduled for Sunday, will determine which of the three low-scoring couples leaves the competition, with judge Motsi Mabuse holding the deciding vote in the event of a tie.

The stakes remain high as the remaining 11 couples navigate the tight leaderboard, with judges providing feedback on performances ranging from a Ghostbusters-themed tango to a Practical Magic samba.

Following her performance, the judges praised Turner's technical execution and stage presence. Motsi Mabuse told the pair, "Wow. Best dance of the night. Congratulations."

While the dancers drew praise, host Josh Widdicombe faced criticism from viewers on social media for his attire during the broadcast. Fans noted that he wore a standard navy suit instead of a Halloween costume.

One viewer wrote on X, "Josh has dressed up a treat for Halloween I see... He appears to have come as… himself!"

This criticism follows earlier viewer complaints regarding Widdicombe's performance as a host. Some audience members have suggested that Ellie Taylor, who recently participated in chemistry tests for the show, should replace him.

The production has seen significant changes this year, as Widdicombe and his co-hosts took over for long-time presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, who departed after two decades.

The results show airs on BBC One at 7.10pm on Sunday, where the three couples will compete for their place in the next round of the competition.