The judge shared that the panel were reunited just hours before the live show
18:05, 11 Oct 2025
Motsi Mabuse joined the judging panel in 2019(Image: Instagram)
Strictly Come Dancing’s Motsi Mabuse took to her social media and shared her co-star judge’s “pre show” look before the live broadcast.
The third week of the hit BBC dance show will take place live on Saturday (October 11), as the remaining 14 contestants battle it out on the dancefloor.
However, 14 will briefly become 13 during Movie Week after Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis had to pull out of his performance at the last-minute due to illness.
A BBC spokesperson said: “Due to illness over the past few days, Stefan Dennis has been advised by doctors to rest and, as a result, he will not dance this weekend.
“In line with the rules of Strictly, Stefan and Dianne will receive a bye through to next week when they will hopefully be able to dance again.”
The news was also confirmed by Janette Manrara on Strictly spin-off series It Takes Two moments into Friday night’s (October 10) episode.
With the addition for Wicked star Cynthia Erivo as the first Guest Mentor, the third week of Strictly has kicked off with a bang.
Motsi Mabuse will once again be taking her place on the judging panel, a place which she first secured back in 2019 when she replaced Darcey Bussell.
Before the chaos of the third live show started, Motsi took to her Instagram and posted a behind the scenes video of Shirley backstage.
Shirley posed in her pre-show attire(Image: Instagram)
With Shirley donning a satin pink robe, gold heels and her hair in rollers, the judge reposted the video and quipped: “Not Miss Mabuse revealing my pre show outfit”.
Shirley then posted a snap of herself dressed for the night and posing alongside Cynthia and her fellow judges.
She wrote: “The QUEEN that is @cynthiaerivo has returned @bbcstrictly … get ready for the movies tonight at 6.05pm. We can’t wait x”.
Last week, it was former The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner who was the first to be voted out alongside professional partner Amy Dowden who made her return to the show this year following an injury.
