Strictly

VIEWERS flocked to social media to slam Shirley Ballas during this weekend’s Halloween-themed Strictly shows thanks to her particularly harsh critiques.

The head judge had fans up in arms for dishing out scathing remarks and issuing low points to some of the celebrities and their dance routines.

One comment accused her of being ‘an ice queen all series’, not just for Halloween, referring to the costume she dressed in for Saturday’s seasonal show.

“Is it just me or is she unnecessarily vile?” they remarked on Reddit. “Is the criticism helpful, is she funny, is she entertaining? IMHO no!”

The backlash seemed to kick off when Shirley made notably harsh comments about Delta Goodrem’s Viennese Waltz and Tabby Stoecker’s Quickstep.

Another typed on X: “Is Shirley ok tonight? Giving Tabby a 5 for that dance. It was clearly way better than a 5. She needs to get out of her mood, ruining the vibe of the show!”

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Someone else added: “Shirley being harsh on Delta and Tabby but giving John stupid amounts of praise?”

After awarding five points to Tabby Stoecker’s Quickstep, a further fan fumed: “A FIVE?! Shirley, I am stealing that five panel from you. IT’S BEEN OUT TOO MUCH, AND IT’S UNFAIR EVERY TIME!”

Another fan seethed that the scoring was “truly ridiculous” as someone else chimed in: “Constructive teaching is one thing, but it is the delivery that grates.

“Sometimes it feels like a subtle put-down wrapped up with a joke at the end to deflect, and she occasionally undermines the other judges rather than just disagreeing with them!”

Others leapt to Shirley’s defence, with one saying: “She puts forward good, constructive feedback. To be honest, I do think most teachers who train athletes or dancers (even musicians) come across this way.”

Another posted: “She is a judge and a dance teacher. It’s literally her job to tell them what went wrong and how to improve.

“I don’t think she’s vile and I find her entertaining at times. I think her criticism is often constructive and useful unlike some other judges.”

This comes as other fans deemed Shirley solely responsible for condemning one star to the dance-off with a surprising comment ahead of the huge twist that saw three couples in the dance-off this weekend.

Shirley upset fans when she told House of the Dragon actor Bethany Antonia and her pro partner Nancy Xu: “As you move forward, and if you’re fortunate enough to, I would like you to start going for things.”

Disgruntled fans flocked to social media and one wrote: “Did Shirley just say ‘if you’re FORTUNATE enough’ to move forward to Bethany?? No words…”

A second added: “Lol Shirley more or less damning Bethany to a dance -with that one comment.”

Indeed, Bethany and Nancy did find themselves in the dance-off against Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu and Lawrence Robb and Jowita Przystał, but it was the latter who left the competition.

It’s Halloween and our remaining 11 celebs are sinking their teeth into a spooky line-up of fresh dances on Strictly Come Dancing.

This week there’s a cameo from Sir Ian McKellen during the results show, Nikita Kuzmin as a vampire and there are two unexpectedly brutal twists.

For Halloween, three couples will be in the dance-off instead of the usual two and when one couple gets sent backing the judges will be voting to eliminate them, rather than save.

It’s getting brutal and we’ll be following tonight’s Strictly every quickstep of the way.

Shaun Wright-Phillips has revealed the moment it dawned him on that he could be about to leave Strictly Come Dancing after a tense dance-off that took place over the weekend

Shaun Wright-Phillips has revealed the moment it dawned him on that he knew he was about to leave Strictly Come Dancing.

The footballer, 45, and his professional partner Alexis Warr became the latest couple eliminated from the BBC Saturday night favourite following their Jive that was set to Stevie Wonder hit Faith.

It was the second time in the series that the couple had found themselves in the dance off, but, in his first interview since exiting the programme, Shaun has admitted he knew it was coming.

Speaking to Ellie Taylor on Monday’s edition of It Takes Two, when asked how it felt when he was told he was in the bottom two again, he said: “I kind of knew. In my head I kind of knew so mentally I was already preparing myself from that moment.

“As soon as we got into that room in the back, I was visualising straight away. We were running the steps where I made the mistakes and once again I was doing them fine so that confused me to the point where I knew them but I still made the mistake.”

It was then that Alexis chipped in to show that she still has nothing but support for her former dance partner. She said: “That happens. I think… I want him to give himself grace for that because that’s sometimes just what happens on the floor and with everything.

“Sometimes things don’t always make sense but even when he did mess up, he kept pushing and he ended strong. He always kept pushing. He’s a fighter, from day one until now. He just has that fight in him, that spirit.”

On Sunday evening, viewers watched as Shaun and Alexis failed to turn things around in the dance off with Jaime Winstone and her partner Carlos Gu, who finished in the bottom two after the public vote despite scoring 25 for their dance on Saturday’s episode of the BBC dancing show.

Shaun said: “I don’t think I can put into words how my time has been, from the pros, judges, staff behind the cameras, everyone who’s helped me along the way, it’s been the most amazing journey I’ve had. And thank you for giving me the chance to be on the Strictly Ballroom floor and actually learn how to dance.”

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Alexis, commented: “The resilience that this man has is so admirable, and I just want to say thank you so much. You have made this season such a joy for me, and it’s been so lovely to just get to know you and get to see you completely handle something different.

“And I’m so proud of how you just danced that dance-off. And that, that’s what we talk about, that’s the grit that you did. And I am so proud of you, and you should be so beyond happy with yourself. And also, the gentleman that this man is, I feel so honoured to have had him as my partner, so a friend for life!

Addressing Alexis, Shaun said: “Thank you, I couldn’t ask for a better partner, a better human being, you knew how to deal with my mood swings, you put me in my box, you got me back on the dancefloor, you knew how to work with me, I wish I could’ve taken you further.”

When asked if he’ll continue dancing, he responded: “Oh hell yeah,” before saying he would return each week to support his co-stars.

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After much change on Strictly Come Dancing, could we be about to see more? Judging panel conversations are yet to be had and there’s speculation two aren’t sure

BBC bosses are said to be growing concerned that Strictly’s popular judging panel could be about to be split up.

Following a huge revamp this series that saw Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe replace departuring long-term co-hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, more big changes could be around the corner.

Producers are starting to fear Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse may not be back, it has been claimed, with other big names already dropping hints that they will return in 2027. Despite contract talks officially not yet starting, it has been suggested that Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood have suggested they will be back.

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There is doubt over head coach Shirley’s future after she quickstepping over the Atlantic after landing a gig on the US counterpart Dancing With The Stars.

There is little doubt Craig wants to carry on. The star has served on the judging panel since the inaugural series of the beloved show in 2004, while Anton assumed his position at the table in 2021.

Now Strictly fans are facing an anxious wait to see if long-serving Shirley – who would be celebraing a decade on the show if she stayed – and Motsi, who has been on the panel since 2019, will remain.

“Strictly love the current judging panel and are really keen to try and persuade everyone to come back next year,” a source told The Sun, “Contract negotiations won’t start until the current series is wrapped, but already Craig and Anton have made it clear they intend to return.

“Motsi and Shirley are yet to make up their minds. Shirley in particular could be a flight risk for bosses, especially if her guest appearance on Dancing With The Stars goes well.”

The Mirror has approached reps for Shirley and Motsi as well as Strictly for comment.

But another insider told us: “This is likely based on the fact that Craig and Anton are both performing in theatre tours next autumn, with the websites for both productions advising that Anton and Craig won’t appear at the Saturday dates of these shows – making it clear that they’re expected to be in Elstree recording Strictly on Saturdays. Shirley and Motsi don’t have theatre tours taking place.”

The BBC has meanwhile responded to claims it has already decided to change its new presenting line-up after just a few weeks.

Presenting pro Emma has predictably been a safe pair of hands since the new series kicked off in September. However, while some viewers are enjoying the camaraderie between the new trio, others have expressed concerns about the chemistry between comedian Josh.

Professional dancer, Johannes, has been accused of being out of his depth by some in the former Clauditorium.

Claiming bosses at the Beeb are aware the new format doesn’t work and are concerned the jewel in the broadcaster’s crown has become something of a “laughing stock”, a source said to be close to Strictly allegedly told the Daily Mail: “It doesn’t work. Not only have many of the traditional viewers stopped watching, the show has become the butt of jokes, a laughing stock.

“It’s like those choosing were trying to be kooky and cool, and they saw something that might appeal to young people.”

It’s thought that mum-of-three, Emma, 50, will stay on Strictly, but Josh’s future could be in doubt. “It isn’t working,” says the source said to be close to the show.

Meanwhile, dancer, Johannes, has also come under fire, with one new theory suggesting that the South African star may become one of the Strictly judges next year

However, responding to the comments, the BBC told the Mirror that the anonymous source comments were “pure and utter speculation”.

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Shaun dealt red card! 

Shaun Wright-Phillips on Instagram: “Last night was a challenge, but as always, we dance, we smile, and we keep going! Thank you to all those who voted and supported as always 🙌🏾🕺🏾 #strictly”

5,020 likes, 64 comments – shaunwp98 on October 25, 2026: “Last night was a challenge, but as always, we dance, we smile, and we keep going! Thank you to all those who voted and supported as always 🙌🏾🕺🏾 #strictly”.

instagram.com

BBC viewers have demanded Strictly to drop one popular host from Sunday night’s live show. It comes as Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe replaced Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman

Strictly fans are calling for one host to be removed from the results show – and it’s not who you’d expect. Although BBC Strictly viewers have been making the same comments about Josh Widdicombe remarks, he’s not actually under the firing line this time.

The 43-year-old joined Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe in a shake-up to replace long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped down last year. Now despite a wave of complaints since the opening show, Josh has proved why he’s worthy of a spot in the ballroom. Now over on social media, many fans reckon another host should step down for Sunday night’s results show.

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Posting on Reddit, one person began: “Disclaimer: I love Emma Willis. She’s my secret girl crush. But she’s becoming over saturated. She reminds me of Holly Willoughby. The face of every prime show, followed by Alison Hammond.

“Emma is fronting Strictly and The Voice. Two prime time TV shows. I tuned into a show last night. Was celebs cooking, hosted with Emma and Tom Allen. She’s obviously very good at her job. But aren’t their any other presenters?”

The person continued: “I was thinking of the Strictly results show they could even drop Emma? Bruce Forsyth didn’t do the results show. Correct me if I’m wrong. I don’t want to get Emma fatigue.”

Although Bruce quit the Sunday results show in 2010, he did continue the Saturday night competition until stepping down four years later. The TV legend sadly passed away at the age of 89 on August 18, 2017.

Since the Strictly fan shared their opinion, many people rushed to the comments section to share their thoughts too. One said: “Yeah I think so too.” While another added: “She’s the only presenter on the show.”

Others said it “depends on your viewing habits”.

Now after week 5’s live show, many people are warming up to the trio of hosts. Over on X, one said: “John Widdecombe and Emma Willis have fully settled into #strictly now, this is such an enjoyable watch. The funny bits aren’t awkward anymore. Tess who?”

While another added: “I’m so loving Emma, she is just right at home. Perfect.”

Strictly Come Dancing’s results show airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 7:10pm tonight (October 25).

Neil Jones’ facial expression led Strictly fans to claim that the pro dancer looked ‘disgusted’ after Carlos Gu and Jaime Winstone performed a foxtrot to Man I Need by Olivia Dean

Strictly Come Dancing fans have said they thought Neil Jones looked “disgusted” after watching a couple’s dance.

The professional dancer, 44, faced backlash on social media after Carlos Gu, 33, and Jaime Winstone, 41, finished their dance. The pair, who were the first to perform on the October 24 show, danced a foxtrot to Man I Need by Olivia Dean.

As Carlos and Jaime hugged following their dance, the camera panned to the balcony, capturing Neil’s expression, which viewers then addressed on social media. One asked: “Why did Neil look disgusted?” Another said: “Had a face like a slapped a**e.”

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A third jumped in: “Neil needs to be given a partner & all will be solved. I’ve had enough of him being there to make up the numbers. He’s a great dancer & deserves to have a partner for the series!”

One more shared: “Sorry, Neil, have you got a problem with Jaime Winstone’s dance pal?” Someone else wrote: “I’d check if Neil’s armed. He’s fizzing.”

Neil has missed out yet again on a celebrity partner in this year’s show, with his last famous pairing being in 2024. Two years ago, Neil was paired with singer Toyah Willcox, but they lasted two weeks before being eliminated.

Last year, the professional dancer lost his father, and earlier this week, he posted on social media to pay tribute to him. Posting a picture

It is an emotional time of year for Neil as he lost his beloved father around this time last year. The dancer posted a tribute on Instagram earlier this week, as he returned to social media to mark a year since his dad’s passing.

Sharing a picture of them sharing a pint together, Neil told his followers: “It’s been a year, and I know you’ll be having a pint, smiling and looking down on us all.” He captioned the post: “Thinking of you.”

Meanwhile, many fans were left disappointed by the judges’ scores for Jaime and Carlos after their foxtrot. The pair, who opened the show, scored 25 out of 40, with every judge giving them a six, except Anton du Beke, who gave them a seven.

“I absolutely love Jaime and Carlos, and I thought the Foxtrot was gorgeous, much better than the judges are making out. Queue undermarking,” a fan said. Another tweeted: “I’m no dance professional but surely Jaime & Carlos was undermarked there?”

A third said: “That was a beautiful foxtrot routine from Carlos, so traditional. It was a bit lumpy and I did notice the couple of mistakes from Jaime, but overall I enjoyed it and I noticed some good footwork plus her spins were gorgeous. I felt the judges were a bit harsh.”

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Bethany Antonia has said she chose to wear her ‘Protect the Dolls’ T-shirt during her Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals without realising it was linked to a charity

Bethany Antonia has broken her silence on the Strictly Come Dancing censorship row, defending the BBC’s decision to blur a pro-trans slogan on her t-shirt.

The House of the Dragon actress spoke out after the broadcaster faced intense viewer backlash for editing out the slogan “Protect the Dolls” from a t-shirt Bethany, 28, wore during week three rehearsal footage. The star, who is paired with Chinese professional dancer Nancy Xu, 35, on the show, admitted that she chose to wear the top without fully realising its commercial and charitable ties.

She said: “I think I made a choice to wear that T-shirt without considering the fact that it was linked to a charity, and that it was linked to what some people consider a brand. The BBC had to do what they had to do when they edited it out, to keep it fair for everybody.”

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However, she told Digital Spy that she was “thrilled to see so much support for the trans community” as she added: “I stand with my trans family in every way, and they knew what I was thinking when I wore that T-shirt. And that’s all that matters.”

In her Digital Spy interview, Bethany added that she would like to see a trans contestant on Strictly in the future, as she believed this would be “empowering for the whole community”. She shared: “The show is sort of learning with every year, every new contestant; it’s learning as it goes. I think it’s only a matter of years before we see a trans contestant.”

During the October 10 episode of Strictly, a clip was aired of Bethany wearing a top with “PROTECT THE DOLLS” written on it as viewers watched her during rehearsals. But later on in the show, the words were removed to make it appear as if the t-shirt was plain white.

The phrase “Protect The Dolls” is a pro-trans slogan which was first written on a top from fashion designer Conner Ives in 2025. Since then been worn by celebrities and has helped to raised hundreds of thousands for charities.

The term traces back to the 1980s Black and Latina underground ballroom scene in New York City, where “doll” was used as a term of solidarity for transgender women.

Many people hit out at the BBC on social media, accusing the broadcaster of censorship. However, a BBC spokesperson responded, saying: “As is standard practice on any entertainment show on the BBC and in line with our editorial guidelines, appropriate steps are taken to reduce the inclusion of any overt branding or slogans that may be present, regardless of the wording or statement in question.”

That didn’t stop many online responding with annoyance, as a viewer said: “Ironically the phrase originated in the ballroom scene decades ago. It’s genuinely pathetic that the BBC refuses to allow anything remotely pro-trans to air. Love Bethany even more though.”

Another fumed: “The decision to digitally scrub the ‘Protect the Dolls’ slogan from Bethany Antonia’s T-shirt during Strictly Come Dancing is a shameful and cowardly act of censorship.”

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CELEBRITIES attending last night’s Pride Of Britain Awards looked like they were ready for bed as they poured themselves out of the boozy after party.

Stars from big shows like Strictly Come Dancing, Love Island and EastEnders appeared to be all partied out, as they jumped into waiting cabs.

Just hours earlier they had all looked perfectly groomed as they glistened and shimmered on the red carpet at the Pride of Britain Awards.

But fast forward to the end of the night, and the stars leaving the after party at JW Marriott Grosvenor House looked like they had been enjoying the free bar.

Love Island icon Ekin-Su Culculogiu was in great spirits as she left the after party in her stunning gown.

The former Islander giggled, as she strutted out of the star-studded bash in London.

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Carol Vorderman sparkles in figure-hugging black dress to host Pride of Britain

However, Strictly Come Dancing contestant Lacey Turner looked like she couldn’t wait to get into her PJs.

The EastEnders actress was seen heading to a waiting cab with sleepy eyes.

Fellow Strictly star Dani Dyer appeared to have been enjoying herself at the boozy bash.

The former Love Island champ left the party with a huge beam on her face as she waved out of her cab.

Katie Price‘s eldest kids Princess and Junior Andre were seen looking happy as they waved to fans in their cab.

The siblings are often spotted partying together, and it appeared they had enjoyed themselves last night.

Christine McGuinness was seen resting against a wall in her striking pink floral ball gown after enjoying the party.

But she later was seen beaming as she got into her taxi to head home to bed.

Despite looking a little sleepy, actress Helen Flanagan still looked glam in her shoulderless gown and long black gloves.

Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas was also spotted leaving the boozy bash and waved to onlookers as she headed home.

Hosted by Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo, Pride of Britain brings together royalty, world leaders, and hundreds of famous faces including music legends, sporting icons, Hollywood stars and TV favourites to celebrate the winners.

The Pride of Britain Awards 2026 will air on TV on Thursday at 8pm on ITV

EXCLUSIVE: Strictly Come Dancing professional Kai Widdrington has shared what makes his dance partner Delta Goodrem so special as the singer prepares to return to the ballroom this weekend

Strictly Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington has revealed what makes his dance partner Delta Goodrem so special as the singer prepares to return to the ballroom.

A painful rib injury put Delta‘s Strictly Come Dancing journey on hold, forcing the singer to sit out last week’s show and leaving fans disappointed.

The 41-year-old first injured her ribs early last week, ahead of her performance on Saturday, October 10. Her condition worsened as the week went on, but she still took to the dance floor for the live BBC show despite being in excruciating pain. Speaking exclusively to the Mirror on the red carpet at the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards, professional dancer Kai shared an insight into how Delta has been getting on as they prepare for Saturday’s show.

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He said: “Delta really enjoyed it too. It is nice being back in training. We’re looking forward to Saturday. She is doing good. She has a heart of gold, and her spirit is so pure and honest.

“She brings that energy to the training room and to the dance floor. She is unapologetically herself. She is such a professional with the way she carries herself around the place and the way she conducts herself on and off the dance floor, so to have that energy around me every day is very inspiring.”

With the competition continuing to heat up, the pressure will be on the pair to impress both the judges and viewers at home when they return to the ballroom.

And while Kai is keeping his expectations measured ahead of the weekend, he made it clear that he has faith in his celebrity partner and what they can achieve together.

He added: “We will see what happens Saturday, but I am confident in my partner.” Speaking of former professional dancer, Johannes Radebe, taking on the role of presenter, Kai commented: “He’s been brilliant, he’s one of my best friends, so to see him shining up there, he’s amazing. He used to be my roommate 11 years ago, way before Strictly was on the cards.

“When we were in South Africa together, he was telling me where he used to live, so to see him here, shining like the light he is, it’s the most amazing thing. I think Britain has kind of adopted him as one of our own.”

Delta had planned a dance to Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” with Kai during Icons Week, but Amy Dowden performed it instead. A spokesperson for the show had said: “Due to injury, Delta Goodrem has been advised by doctors to rest and, as a result, will not dance on this weekend’s Strictly Come Dancing.

“In line with the rules of the show, Delta and Kai will receive a bye through to next week, when it is hoped they will be able to dance again. We wish Delta the very best as she continues her recovery.”

Delta added: “I’ve been loving every second of this experience, so having to sit this one out is heartbreaking – especially after the high of Saturday night.”

“I cannot tell you how much I love being a part of this magical show. I’m going to focus on resting and recovering, and hopefully I’ll be back on that dancefloor very soon. Thank you so much to everyone for all the love and support. It’s so appreciated. I’ll be cheering everyone on from the sidelines this week!”

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Former Neighbours star Delta Goodrem will return to Strictly Come Dancing this week after previously being forced to take time out when she sustained a rib injury

Delta Goodrem will return to Strictly Come Dancing this week, it has been confirmed.

The pop star, 41, had been forced to take time out of the BBC Saturday night favourite when she sustained a rib injury and was given a free pass but it was uncertain whether she would be well enough to make it back to the show at all.

But on Monday morning, the official social media account for Strictly announced that her comeback was imminent. A statement posted to Instagram read: “Following her bye last week due to injury, we’re delighted to confirm Delta has been given the all clear to dance again this weekend.

“She’ll return to the #Strictly ballroom on Saturday night, and Abi Clarke will pop into her rehearsal room for a chat on Training Room Diaries on Wednesday evening.”

Reacting to the news, one fan said: “Great news can’t wait to see your dance this week,” whilst another wrote: “Whoop whoop have missed her.”

A third wrote: “Unfinished business to attend to! Can’t wait to see you back out there,” and a fourth said: “Amazing news, welcome back delta.”

Delta, who is best known for starring in Australian soap Neighbours and releasing hits such as Innocent Eyes, recently told fans she was hoping to recover in time for the next round and – following her doctor’s order – had been getting rest at home.

Taking to social media, Delta, who is paired up with professional dancer Kai Widdrington, wrote: “Just wanted to come on here and say a big Thank you to everyone who has sent messages and wrote lovely comments the last couple of days, I see them all.

“Not the start to the week I’d hoped for but your support has meant the world. Also special big thank you to my amazing dance partner @kaiwidd who I will miss dancing with this weekend but I am so beyond grateful for his guidance and friendship through it all.. as well as the wonderful Strictly team!!”

She added: “Resting and recovering at home and will be cheering everyone on from my couch on Saturday night xx.” Delta had previously said she was “absolutely gutted” to be out the show for the week, and hoped she’d be back the following week.

Delta had planned dance to Dolly Parton’s Jolene with Kai during Icons Week but it was performed instead by Amy Dowden.

A spokesperson for the show had said: “Due to injury, Delta Goodrem has been advised by doctors to rest and, as a result, will not dance on this weekend’s Strictly Come Dancing.

“In line with the rules of the show, Delta and Kai will receive a bye through to next week when it is hoped they will be able to dance again. We wish Delta the very best as she continues her recovery.”

Delta added: “I’ve been loving every second of this experience, so having to sit this one out is heartbreaking – especially after the high of Saturday night.”

“I cannot tell you how much I love being a part of this magical show. I’m going to focus on resting and recovering, and hopefully I’ll be back on that dancefloor very soon. Thank you so much to everyone for all the love and support. It’s so appreciated. I’ll be cheering everyone on from the sidelines this week!”

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