The competition on Strictly Come Dancing 2025 has reached its decisive stage, with just four couples remaining as the show heads into its highly anticipated semi-final weekend. After weeks of eliminations, close judges’ scores and tense public votes, viewers across the UK are asking one key question: who is still in the competition?
With standards rising sharply at this stage of the contest, the semi-final has delivered some of the strongest routines of the series so far. Emotional performances, personal stories and clear technical progress have defined a night where every couple is now fighting for a place in the final.
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 Semi-Final Line-Up
Here is the confirmed list of couples competing in the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 semi-final, as the race for the Glitterball Trophy enters its final phase.
1. Karen Carney and Carlos Gu
Karen Carney and professional partner Carlos Gu head into the results show after topping the judges’ leaderboard. The pair earned an outstanding 78 out of a possible 80 points, receiving high praise for both their emotional Waltz and their high-energy Samba. Judges highlighted the clarity of movement, control and emotional connection in both routines, placing them firmly among the favourites to reach the final.
2. Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin
Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin followed closely behind on the night, delivering performances that earned standing ovations from the studio audience. The judges offered warm and enthusiastic feedback, commending Amber’s confidence and musicality as the pressure of the semi-final intensified. Their consistent scoring throughout the competition has kept them firmly in contention.
3. George Clarke and Alexis Warr
George Clarke, dancing with Alexis Warr, continued his upward trajectory in the competition. Judges praised George for injecting personality and character into both his Samba and Charleston, noting how far he has developed since the early weeks of the series. While facing tough competition, the pair’s growing audience support has played a key role in their journey to the semi-final.
4. Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon
Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon completed the semi-final line-up with two graceful and polished performances. Their routines were noted for elegance and composure, with judges acknowledging the steady improvement Balvinder has shown over the course of the competition. At this stage, refinement and consistency can prove decisive when combined with the public vote.
Standards Soar as Four Couples Battle for Three Final Places
Standards were exceptionally high in the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 semi-final, as the remaining four couples delivered some of their strongest performances of the series. The night was filled with emotional moments, personal stories and reflections on how far the celebrity dancers have progressed in just a few months.
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu led the judges’ scores with their near-perfect total, while Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin drew vocal support from the audience. George Clarke’s confident delivery and Balvinder Sopal’s polished routines underlined just how narrow the margins have become at this stage of the competition.
How the Strictly Come Dancing Semi-Final Works
In the semi-final, each couple performs two dances, often featuring contrasting styles designed to test versatility, stamina and technical precision. Judges’ scores from both routines are combined with the public vote to determine which couples progress.
Only three couples will make it through to next week’s grand final, meaning even strong technical performances can be undone if viewer support falls short.
When Are the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 Results Revealed?
Viewers had until 20:30 GMT to cast their votes following the semi-final performances. The results will be revealed during Sunday night’s results show on BBC One, confirming which three couples will compete for the Glitterball Trophy in the final.
What Happens Next on Strictly Come Dancing 2025?
Once the finalists are confirmed, the remaining couples will have just days to prepare for the grand final — one of the most watched entertainment broadcasts of the year in the UK. Finalists traditionally perform a judges’ choice, their favourite routine from the series, and a high-impact showdance.
With confidence, consistency and viewer connection now more important than ever, the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 semi-final has set the stage for a closely fought and highly anticipated finale.
For more updates from the world of television and entertainment, you can also read our latest coverage on Strictly Come Dancing and other trending UK TV shows, where we track key moments, results and audience reactions throughout the season.
