Descending the steps, fans caught sight of reality TV’s Pete Wicks as The Joker with his dance partner Jowita Przysta embodying Harley Quinn.
Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas underwent a transformation into Wednesday and Pugsley Addams, while JB Gill, who was under scrutiny last Sunday, appeared in a sinister scarecrow costume alongside Amy Dowden.
The judges got into the spooky spirit, ditching their usual glamorous looks for an array of Halloween costumes. BBC audiences witnessed Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke channel the twins from The Shining, Motsi Mabuse dazzle as Cruella de Vil, and Shirley Ballas enchant as Winifred Sanderson.
Twitter was abuzz as viewers quickly took to the platform to express their delight at the fancy dress efforts, particularly praising Anton and Craig.
One viewer exclaimed: “HAHAHAHHAHA! LOOK AT ANTON AND CRAIG! ” Another chimed in: “Best costumes go to Craig and Anton..absolutely amazing” A different fan declared: “Ok Anton and Craig just won Strictly for me,” reports the Mirror.
“I genuinely screaming and crying with laughter at Craig and Anton. they’ve won halloween 2024 already,” another shared. One tweet read: “Omg Anton and Craig I’m screaming.” And yet another said: “Omg Craig and Anton I was not expecting that.”
Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman were equally impressed by the judges’ ensembles, lavishing praise on them as they took their seats. Claudia remarked: “Judges, you have nailed the dress code!”
Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell were the first pair to vie for judges’ approval on the dance floor, delivering a Samba performance to the tune of Stayin’ Alive by Bee Gees. As Chris awaited feedback, presenters shifted focus to the striking attire adorned by Anton and Craig.
The moment Tess inquired if it really was him, he confirmed: “It is indeed and sister (Anton), by the way you look fabulous. I’m so pleased I had two of these at home.”
Commenting on Chris’ dance, while highlighting some issues such as unwanted hopping and lack of upper body stretch, he acknowledged: “I thought you danced, as you always do dance with immaculate rhythm and confidence and also your acting I thought in that was magnificent.”
Despite the constructive critique, Chris and Dianne managed to secure a respectable 26 points, though this was nine points shy of their last week’s impressive score of 35.