Strictly 2025 Movie Week Just Dropped Its Song List – And One Choice Has Everyone Talking
Another exciting Saturday night is upon us, which means another spectacular episode of Strictly is heading our way – but this time, there's a cinematic twist! It's officially Movie Week, and the BBC has just unveiled which songs and choreography styles each dancing duo will be tackling when they hit the dancefloor this weekend. But here's where it gets controversial... there's something extra special happening this week that's got the fanbase buzzing with mixed reactions.
For the first time this season, we're witnessing the debut of a Couple's Choice performance – a format that liberates contestants from the rigid constraints of traditional ballroom and Latin dance categories, giving them creative freedom to explore diverse movement styles and really let their personalities shine through. Adding even more star power to the occasion, the legendary Cynthia Erivo from Wicked will be stepping in as the series' inaugural guest coach and mentor, bringing her Broadway expertise to the competition.
When the BBC took to Instagram to share the complete roster of musical selections and dance styles, the response was immediate and passionate. While the majority of fans expressed genuine excitement about the overall lineup, one particular pairing sparked intense debate and left viewers absolutely speechless: George Clarke and his professional partner Alexis will be performing to 'Soda Pop' from Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters.
The Song Choice That Has Fans Divided
The comment section exploded with reactions ranging from supportive to downright confused. "George and Alexis got wronged. They'll still somehow find a way to make Soda Pop good though," one disappointed fan commented, showing faith in the couple despite their reservations about the track selection. Another viewer didn't hold back, stating: "Bit shocking making George's Couple's Choice Soda Pop." And this is the part most people miss... a third commenter raised an interesting point about the authenticity of the "choice" element: "Can we stop calling it 'Couple's Choice' and just rename it a freestyle or something? It couldn't be more clear George and Alexis didn't pick anything at all…"
This raises a thought-provoking question: Is the Couple's Choice format truly giving contestants creative control, or are producers still pulling the strings behind the scenes? The controversy highlights a potential disconnect between what the format promises and what it actually delivers.
Despite the polarizing song selection, there's still plenty of reason to be optimistic. While the musical choice might not resonate with everyone's taste, we're genuinely excited to witness how George and Alexis transform this infectious, upbeat track into something memorable on the dancefloor. Their creativity and chemistry could turn this controversial choice into the surprise hit of the evening.
What Everyone Else Is Dancing To This Movie Week
Let's dive into the rest of the spectacular lineup that awaits us:
Lewis and his professional partner Katya are preparing to deliver intensity and drama with a powerful Paso Doble set to 'The Plaza of Execution' from the swashbuckling classic The Mask of Zorro. Meanwhile, Vicky and Kai are transporting us back to the roaring 1920s with a high-energy Charleston performed to 'A Little Party Never Killed Nobody' from the glamorous film adaptation of The Great Gatsby.
Harry and Karen are bringing the heat with a vibrant, energetic Salsa choreographed to 'I Always Wanted a Brother' from the recent Disney release Mufasa: The Lion King. On the other hand, Chris and Nadia are gearing up for a fierce Paso Doble to the rock anthem 'Sweet Child O' Mine' from Thor – and honestly, could there be a more perfect casting? Chris channeling Thor energy feels like destiny!
Ellie and Vito are taking on a lively Samba to 'Dance the Night' from the blockbuster Barbie movie – and here's what makes this particularly meaningful: this performance represents a beautiful full-circle moment for Ellie, who previously served as the face of the groundbreaking campaign for the first-ever Barbie doll with Down syndrome. This dance is more than just entertainment; it's a celebration of representation and inclusion.
Jimmy and Lauren are preparing to captivate audiences with a dramatic, emotionally charged Rumba set to 'No Time To Die' from the James Bond franchise, while La Voix and Aljaž are embracing classic elegance with a graceful Waltz to the nostalgic 'Feed the Birds (Tuppence a Bag)' from the beloved Mary Poppins.
Alex and Johannes are ready to serve fashion-forward excellence as they channel their inner Andy Sachs and Miranda Priestly with a rapid-fire Quickstep to 'Suddenly I See' from the iconic The Devil Wears Prada. Meanwhile, Balvinder and Julian are keeping things sophisticated with a smooth Foxtrot to the timeless standard 'The Way You Look Tonight' from the classic film Swing Time.
The Leaderboard Leaders and Those Fighting to Climb
Currently sitting pretty at the top of the leaderboard, Amber and Nikita are taking on the challenge of an elegant American Smooth choreographed to 'Sixteen Going on Seventeen' from the timeless musical The Sound of Music. Karen and Carlos, meanwhile, are bringing sass and attitude with a Cha Cha Cha to 'She's a Lady' from the comedy hit Miss Congeniality.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Ross and Jowita find themselves fighting to escape the bottom position on the leaderboard. They're hoping to make a dramatic comeback with a bold Paso Doble performed to the instantly recognizable Thunderbirds theme – a choice that could either be brilliantly nostalgic or risk feeling gimmicky. Finally, Stefan and Dianne are rounding out this week's performances with a romantic Waltz to 'It Is You (I Have Loved)' from the animated favorite Shrek.
So Here's What We Want to Know...
Do you think George and Alexis were genuinely given creative freedom with their song choice, or does this feel like producer interference? Is the Couple's Choice format living up to its promise, or should it be renamed entirely? And most importantly – which Movie Week performance are you most excited to see? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, especially if you disagree with the popular opinion. Let's get this conversation started!
