In an unexpected turn of events, Strictly Come Dancing has been forced to abandon its signature dance-off for the week, following the medical withdrawal of contestant La Voix.
Why Was The Dance-Off Cancelled?
The dramatic change to the usual format was announced during the live results show on Sunday, November 23, 2025. The decision came directly from the BBC after La Voix, who had already missed the Blackpool Week performances due to an injury, was unable to continue in the competition on medical grounds.
This marks the fourth time a celebrity has had to withdraw from the beleaguered series 23, which has been consistently plagued by injuries. La Voix and professional partner Aljaž Škorjanec appeared on the Sunday show not to dance, but to discuss their time on the ballroom floor and officially confirm their departure.
What Happens to the Scores and Votes?
With La Voix's exit, the show's producers confirmed there would be no elimination this week. This means the tense dance-off, where the two lowest-scoring couples battle to stay in the competition, was scrapped entirely.
However, the efforts from Blackpool Week have not gone to waste. The BBC clarified the situation, stating: “As La Voix has withdrawn from Strictly Come Dancing due to injury there will be no dance off this week - the Judges' Scores and audience votes from Blackpool will be carried over to next week.”
This ensures that the leaderboard from the spectacular Blackpool event will still have a significant impact. The top of the board was dominated by:
- Lewis and Katya with an impressive 40 points
- Karen and Carlos close behind with 39 points
- George and Alexis also scoring 39 points
The Impact on the Competition
La Voix's withdrawal continues a challenging trend for this series of Strictly, highlighting the immense physical demands placed on the contestants. The drag star had initially secured a bye into week ten due to the competition's rules but will now not be returning.
This last-minute shake-up means the remaining couples get a temporary reprieve, but the carried-over votes and scores promise an even more intense and consequential show next week as the competition continues without one of its most vibrant personalities.
